Chad McQueen, who has passed away aged 63, on his memories of dad Steve
Magneto sadly announces that Chad McQueen, the son of the iconic actor Steve McQueen, passed away in Palm Springs, California, on September 11, 2024. He was 63 years old.
Chad is said to have died due to organ failure, as he never completely recovered from an injury he sustained in a fall back in 2020. Matt Stone interviewed Chad for Magneto around that period, and he reminisced about his unforgettable summer as a ten-year-old on the set of Le Mans with his dad in 1970.
Chad remembered that while his father was shooting Bullitt in 1968, he was already imagining an incredible racing movie in his mind—one that would offer a highly realistic and immersive visual experience.
Dad headed off for the 1970 race and to start shooting the film before my sister Terry and I finished school. Mom took us to Europe on the SS France. When we arrived at Le Havre, Dad arranged for a plane to pick us up, and it flew us to the Le Mans racetrack, close to Solar Village, where Solar Productions had set up a facility for the cars, drivers, crew, and equipment.
We eventually reached a speed of 100mph, and I’ll always remember the noise, scent, visuals, and sensations from that experience of driving a 917 with my dad.
We finally reached a speed of 100mph, and I will always remember the noise, the scent, the view, and the sensation of that experience, driving a 917 alongside my dad.
"When we first arrived at La Sarthe, the atmosphere was electric, especially around the Indianapolis corner where they were filming. I was absolutely stunned by what I saw. One of the first things that caught my attention was one of the long-tail 917s, and it left me in awe. On one side of the track, there were four 512s lined up, while on the opposite side were several Gulf-liveried 917s. I also noticed Lola T70s, 911s, and a unique blue car called a Matra. Initially, I didn’t know much about it, but I soon discovered it produced the most incredible sound imaginable. I thought to myself, 'This summer is going to be amazing!'"
It's incredible to think that Le Mans was finished, especially considering the challenges during its production. The filming kicked off with barely any script in place, leading to scenes being crafted and revised daily on set. McQueen and director Sturges frequently disagreed, to the point that, early on, Sturges decided to step away from the project entirely.
Lee Katzin was brought on board to take his place – a decision that seemed unexpected at first since most of Katzin’s notable work was in television rather than in feature films. However, he had a keen eye for capturing action-packed sequences and a relaxed approach that likely put McQueen at ease. The production faced challenges, running over budget and falling behind schedule, and it wasn’t a secret that during this period, Steve's marriage to his first wife, singer and Broadway performer Neile Adams, was falling apart. Ultimately, Le Mans was completed and released largely thanks to McQueen’s undeniable drive, determination, and dedication to the film.
Chad remembered a particularly difficult day: “My dad never shied away from the dangers of racing; he understood them fully and treated them with the respect they deserved. He would push those 917s to their limits for weeks at a time and once shared with me, ‘Every day, I felt like I might not make it back.’”
One day, I got to the Solar complex a bit late for lunch, and suddenly there was a strange tension in the air. I found out there had been an accident near the corners of the White House complex, and naturally, I was hoping and praying it wasn't my dad involved. About fifteen minutes later, he arrived on his Triumph motorcycle and called me over, saying, "Come here. I want to show you what can happen in racing." It was David Piper, a professional driver who was working on the film. I saw the wreckage of his 917, which was scattered everywhere. I vividly remember spotting a wheel with its A-arms still attached, lying far out in a cow pasture near the track, well away from where the crash happened. Thankfully, David survived, but he later had to have his foot amputated because of an infection from the accident. For a ten-year-old, witnessing all this was incredibly overwhelming.
Chad McQueen created many cherished memories during what he considers his 'perfect summer vacation' at Le Mans, but two experiences are especially memorable. One of those was his participation in and victory at his very first motor race. The organizers set up a Mini Le Mans event at La Sarthe, featuring a small course made from haybales. The vehicles were miniature go-kart-like models designed to look like Ferraris, Porsches, and GT40s. Chad was in second place when he closed in on the leader, resulting in a collision that sent his opponent crashing into the haybales. It was a lighthearted and fair competition, and afterward, the young racers chatted and shook hands. Chad takes great pride in this trophy, which he still keeps.
This was his first experience behind the wheel of a 917 at Le Mans. "My dad had me sit on his lap in the Porsche. He handled the gear shifts and pedals while I held the steering wheel, with his hands hovering over mine. I was steering the car, but his hands were there, ready to take over if necessary. We eventually reached 100 mph, and that moment is etched in my memory—the sounds, the smells, the sights, and the thrilling sensation of driving a 917 with my dad."
As an adult, Chad took a similar route to his father, pursuing careers in both acting and racing. He is best known for his role as Dutch, a villain in the Cobra Kai series of The Karate Kid movies. Although his acting career didn't reach the same level of success as his father's, Chad showcased his skills as a racing driver, taking part in prestigious competitions like the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Sebring 12 Hours.
Sadly, Chad's racing journey came to an abrupt end after a serious accident during a practice session for the Daytona 24 Hours in 2006. The incident resulted in him suffering a broken left leg and spine, along with several fractured ribs.
After being unable to compete because of injuries, Chad established McQueen Racing in 2010. He partnered with various manufacturers to create exclusive models of cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
Chad leaves behind his wife Jeanie, along with his children Steven, Chase, and Madison, as well as his 92-year-old mother, Neile Adams.
