Actor Steve McQueen has long been regarded as a Hollywood legend, having appeared in the classic film "Bullitt" along with the television series "Wanted Dead or Alive."

However, fans of the late actor were saddened to learn on Friday that McQueen's only son had passed away.

Chad McQueen's family remember him as "a loving father"

According to the Associated Press, 63-year-old Chad McQueen's death was confirmed by his friend and attorney Arthur H. Barens. His cause of death has yet to be revealed.

The younger McQueen left behind his wife Jean as well as his children Chase, Steven, and Madison, with the family posting a statement to Instagram.

"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 statement explained.

"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.

Actor left Hollywood to focus on racing

McQueen's children recalled how their father "passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfathers as well."

The statement concluded by saying, "As a family we need to navigate this difficult time and we kindly ask for privacy as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life."

McQueen played the character Dutch in 1984's "The Karate Kid," a role he reprised two years later in "The Karate Kid Part II." The actor went on to appear in "New York Cop," "Squanderers," and "Red Line."

The Associated Press noted that McQueen later left Hollywood to focus on motorsports, telling the news service in 2005, "I didn't find acting fun anymore. So, I decided to give racing a total commitment."

McQueen went on to create McQueen Racing, a company which manufactures custom cars, motorcycles, and accessories.

Fellow actor calls McQueen "one of a kind"

News of McQueen's death brought tributes on social media, including from fellow actor William Zabka, who put up a post on X.

Sadly, we lost the legendary Chad McQueen yesterday. I have so many great memories of him when we were filming the “Karate Kid”. He was one of kind. He marched to the beat of his own drum and always made me laugh. We would caravan to set everyday — him in his silver Porsche,… pic.twitter.com/DLapeBBc4P

— William Zabka (@WilliamZabka) September 13, 2024

"He was one of [a] kind," McQueen declared before adding, "He marched to the beat of his own drum and always made me laugh."