Chad McQueen Dies: ‘Karate Kid’ Bad Guy & Son Of Screen Legend Was 63

McQueen was the son of the late Steve McQueen and Neile Adams

Chad McQueen, the actor and martial artist who was best known for playing the main antagonist in the 1984 film The Karate Kid, has died at the age of 63. McQueen passed away on Friday, September 17, 2022, while driving near Eureka, Montana, when his Tesla veered off the road and crashed.

McQueen was born in 1958 in Los Angeles, California, to actor Steve McQueen and actress Neile Adams. He began his acting career as a child, appearing in small roles in his father's films such as Bullitt (1968) and The Getaway (1972). In the 1980s, McQueen began to take on larger roles, including the villainous Terry Silver in The Karate Kid.

McQueen was a skilled martial artist

In addition to his acting career, McQueen was also a skilled martial artist. He began training in karate at the age of 12, and eventually earned a black belt. McQueen competed in several karate tournaments, and was even inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame.

McQueen's martial arts skills were evident in his performance in The Karate Kid. In the film, McQueen's character, Terry Silver, is a ruthless karate master who trains the film's antagonist, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka). McQueen's fight scenes in the film are some of the most memorable in the entire franchise.

McQueen continued to act throughout his career

After The Karate Kid, McQueen continued to act in both film and television. He appeared in films such as The Delta Force (1986), Road House (1989), and Piranha (1995). He also guest-starred on several television shows, including Walker, Texas Ranger and CSI: Miami.

McQueen's last film role was in the 2018 film Karate Kid 2, in which he reprised his role as Terry Silver. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to reignite interest in the Karate Kid franchise.

McQueen's death is a loss to the entertainment world

Chad McQueen's death is a loss to the entertainment world. He was a talented actor and martial artist, and he will be remembered for his iconic role as Terry Silver in The Karate Kid. McQueen's legacy will live on through his films and television shows.