Chad McQueen, 'Karate Kid' star and son of Steve McQueen, dies at 63

Chad McQueen, the actor who famously portrayed the antagonist "Dutch" in The Karate Kid films and the son of renowned actor Steve McQueen, has died at the age of 63. His family confirmed his passing on Thursday, September 12th, following his death in Palm Springs on Wednesday.

McQueen's legacy extends beyond his memorable role in the 1980s classic. He followed in his father's footsteps, pursuing a successful career in auto racing, competing in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He also founded McQueen Racing, a company dedicated to developing high-performance vehicles, carrying on the family's passion for motorsports.

While his acting career included roles in films like "New York Cop" and "Red Line," it was his portrayal of the merciless Cobra Kai member "Dutch" that solidified his place in pop culture history. Fans of the Netflix series "Cobra Kai" were particularly excited about the possibility of McQueen reprising his role, though scheduling conflicts ultimately prevented it.

A near-fatal racing accident in 2006 cut McQueen's professional racing career short, but he continued to be involved in motorsports through his company and other endeavors.

McQueen's family released a statement expressing their grief and celebrating his life. "His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent but also served as a way to honor his father’s legacy," they said.