Chad McQueen, an actor known for his performances in Karate Kid Films and the son of the late actor and racing driver Steve McQueen, has died. He was 63 years old.

McQueen’s lawyer and friend Arthur H. Barens confirmed to The Associated Press that he died on Wednesday. The cause of death was not disclosed. His wife, Jeanie, and children, Chase and Madison, released a statement on Instagram Thursday afternoon through McQueen’s verified account announcing the news of his death “with heavy hearts.”

“His remarkable journey as a loving father to us and his unwavering devotion to our mother were true examples of a life of love and dedication. His passion for racing not only highlighted his extraordinary talent, but was also a way of honoring his father’s legacy, a testament to the values ​​instilled in him,” the statement said.

“He has passed on his passion, knowledge and dedication to us and we will continue not only his legacy but also that of our grandfather.”

The family asked for privacy while they “honor and celebrate his extraordinary life.”

McQueen followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued both acting and racing. He is best known for his role as Dutch, an antagonist of the Cobra Kai team in the 1984 series The Cobra Kai. Karate Kidand the sequel two years later.

Focus on racing

After the successful action series, he starred in several films, including New York police officer, Waster And Red lineHe eventually became more involved in racing than acting, and eventually founded McQueen Racing, a company that makes custom cars, motorcycles and accessories. His son Chase, who also races, and daughter Madison now run the company.

“I didn’t enjoy acting anymore,” McQueen said in a 2005 interview with the Associated Press. “So I decided to devote myself full-time to racing.”

McQueen was a professional racing driver for many years, competing in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and Daytona, before suffering a series of injuries while behind the wheel.

His work at McQueen Racing aimed to preserve and continue his father’s legacy. McQueen also produced two documentaries about his father: I am Steve McQueen And Steve McQueen: The Man and Le Mans.

The Karate Kid franchise has gained a new generation of viewers through the Netflix series, Cobra Kai.

Jon Hurwitz, Cobra Kai Producer, paid tribute to Chad McQueen in a long post on X.

“When you interview authors for Cobra Kai“If the candidate didn’t know who Dutch was, it was a tough fight for him,” Hurwitz said.

“We always wanted Chad McQueen to be on the show. And a few times it almost happened. Chad was torn. His racing injuries limited his abilities, but he liked the idea of ​​playing with his buddy (Billy Zabka) again.”

McQueen was the only son of his father and mother Neile Toffel, who was also an actor. He had a sister, Terry, who died of respiratory failure in 1998 at the age of 38.

Steve McQueen, star of films such as The great escape, Bullitt And Flaming Infernodied in 1980 at the age of 50 from cancer.

Chad McQueen leaves behind his wife and three children, Chase, Madison and Steven, the actor is best known for the Vampire Diaries.