Actor Chad McQueen, who played Dutch in “The Karate Kid” and “The Karate Kid Part II,” has died at the age of 63.
McQueen’s family — wife, Jeanie, and his children, Chase and Madison — confirmed his death in Instagram post on Thursday, Sept. 12.
“His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering commitment to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication,” the post read.
“His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent, but also served as a way to honor his father’s legacy, a testament to the values instilled in him,” it continued. “He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfathers as well.”
While McQueen’s family did not provide a cause of death, his friend Arthur Barens told The Hollywood Reporter that McQueen died from organ failure while at his ranch in Palm Springs, California.
“Dutch may have been the purest Cobra of them all. Merciless and dangerous through and through,” Jon Hurwitz, writer and producer of the series “Cobra Kai” wrote on X. “That’s what we loved about him. And it was all because of Chad McQueen’s performance.”
Hurwitz said the crew had tried to get McQueen on the show, but McQueen was hesitant because of injuries he sustained from his professional racing career. The actor had also been injured in a fall in 2020 and never fully recovered, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“Unfortunately, Chad was unable to join us when it came time to shoot. At the end of the day, it wasn’t meant to be. But Dutch will always be remembered as a badass’ badass in the Miyagiverse,” Hurwitz wrote. “The fandom mourns a Karate Kid legend today. I’m so grateful I had the honor of spending an afternoon with him. Sending much love and strength to his wonderful family. May Chad rest in peace.”
McQueen was born on Dec. 28, 1960 in Los Angeles, California, the late actor’s IMDb biography states.
His breakthrough acting role came in “The Karate Kid” in 1984 where he was one of the antagonists of Daniel, played by Ralph Macchio. McQueen reprised the role in the movie’s 1986 sequel, “The Karate Kid Part II.”
He starred in several other minor films and TV shows, with his last credit listed on IMDB in 2001. He had several producing credits, including a film about his father, “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans” in 2015.
McQueen also raced professionally for years, competing in the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona races.
