Remembering Chad McQueen
December 28, 1960 – September 11, 2024
(Palm Desert, CA) Thursday, September 12, 2024 – Chad McQueen, 63, the actor best known for his role as Dutch in the films, “The Karate Kid” and “The Karate Kid Part II” died Wednesday morning, September 11, 2024 at his home in Palm Desert, CA said his mother Neile Adams McQueen.
Born Chadwick Steven McQueen on December 28,1960, McQueen was the son of Broadway, television and film performer, Neile Adams, and her late first husband, the iconic actor, Steve McQueen. Aside from acting, Chad McQueen was also a film producer, martial artist and racecar driver.
As an actor Chad McQueen’s film credits included: “Martial Law,” “New York Cop,” “Red Line” and “Death Ring.” As a producer McQueen won a Telly Award for his documentary “Filming At Speed.” McQueen appeared on numerous television programs, including “Hot Rod TV” and “Celebrity Rides.”
From an early age Chad McQueen became an avid enthusiast of automobiles, motorcycles and racing, following in the footsteps of his father, Steve McQueen, whom he used to ride dirt bikes with near their home in the desert in Palm Springs, starting at the age of nine.
Chad McQueen began auto racing at the age of 10, winning his first race, the mini Le Mans event, a children-only track created on the set of his father’s 1971 film, “Le Mans.” By the age of 12, Chad McQueen won his class in the World Mini Grand Prix. A lover of Porsche cars, McQueen’s professional racing career started with Sports Car Club of America. Chad McQueen later started his own company, McQueen Racing, LLC.
Aside from his mother, Chad McQueen is also survived by his life partner of 31 years, Jeanie McQueen Galbraith, and their children, Chase and Madison; his son, Steven R., from a previous marriage; his grandson, Michael Carriles; and his son-in-law, Mitchell Carriles. Aside from his father, he was predeceased by his sister, Terry. Donations can be in Chad McQueen’s name to The Boys Republic in Chino Hills, CA.
