The Karate Kid actor also happened to be Steve McQueen’s son

Chad McQueen, an actor known for his performances in Karate Kid Films and the son of the late actor and race car driver Steve McQueen, has died. He was 63 years old. McQueen’s lawyer and friend Arthur Barens confirmed to the AP that his client died on Wednesday. The cause of death was not disclosed. McQueen’s wife Jeanie and children Chase and Madison shared a statement from McQueen’s verified account on Instagram on Thursday afternoon, announcing the news of his death “with a heavy heart.” McQueen followed in his father’s footsteps and devoted himself to both acting and racing. He is best known for his role as Dutch, the antagonist in 1984’s “The Last Man.” Karate Kid and the sequel two years later.

After the successful action series, he starred in several films, including New York police officer, WasterAnd Red lineMcQueen ultimately became more involved in racing than acting, eventually founding 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 told the AP in a 2005 interview. “So I decided to devote myself full-time to racing.” McQueen raced professionally for years, taking part in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona, before suffering a series of injuries 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. McQueen was the only son of his father and mother Neile Toffel. He had a sister, Terry, who died of respiratory failure in 1998 at the age of 38. He leaves behind his wife and three children – Chase and Madison’s other sibling is Steven, an actor who is best known for the Vampire Diaries. “His remarkable journey as a loving father to us and his unwavering commitment to our mother truly exemplified a life of love and dedication,” the Instagram statement read. “He passed on his passion, knowledge and dedication to us and we will carry on not only his legacy but that of our (grandfather) as well.”

(More stories by Steve McQueen.)