CNN
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Actor Chad McQueen, son of Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, has died at the age of 63.

McQueen got his big break in 1984 when he was cast in the hit film “The Karate Kid”, playing Dutch, the adversary of Ralph Macchio’s main character.

His attorney, Arthur H. Barens, told The Associated Press that he died Wednesday.

McQueen followed in his father’s footsteps, both on screen and on the racing circuit.

His wife, Jeanie Galbraith, along with their son Chase and daughter Madison, posted a tribute to him on Instagram.

The family announced his passing “with heavy hearts,” adding: “His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering devotion to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication. 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. He passed on his passion, knowledge and dedication to us and we will continue not only his legacy, but that of our grandfathers as well.”

McQueen is also survived by his son from a previous relationship, Steven R. McQueen – an actor, who appeared in “The Vampire Diaries”.

Chad McQueen reprised his role in the 1986 sequel to “The Karate Kid,” as well as several other films, and also produced two documentaries about his father: “I Am Steve McQueen” in 2014 and “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans” the following year.

His father, who rose to fame in the 1960s with the action films “The Magnificent Seven” and “The Great Escape,” died in Mexico in 1980 at the age of just 50 after surgery to remove a tumor.

In addition to his acting career, McQueen inherited his father’s passion for cars. According to AP, he raced professionally for many years, including in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona, but suffered a series of injuries.

In 2010, he founded McQueen Racing, which he ran with his children Chase and Madison, building custom cars and motorcycles and working with the film industry.

“I didn’t like acting anymore,” McQueen said in a 2005 interview with the AP. “So I decided to focus completely on racing.”

In a separate Instagram post, McQueen’s son Chase wrote: “Knowing you are now reunited with your dad and sister gives me some comfort. Until we ride again, I love you.”

Jon Hurwitz, one of the creators of “Cobra Kai,” the “Karate Kid” revival that has proven to be a hit for Netflix, also paid tribute to him online.

He said he and his cast members met with McQueen to discuss returning to the series. Hurwitz described McQueen on X as a “Karate Kid legend,” adding, “Unfortunately, Chad wasn’t able to be with us when it came time to film. Ultimately, it wasn’t meant to be. But Dutch will always be remembered as a badass in the Miyagiverse. He kicked ass.”

He added: “The fandom mourns a Karate Kid legend today. I am so grateful I had the honor of spending an afternoon with him. Sending much love and strength to his amazing family. May Chad rest in peace.”