Chad McQueen, the actor you might remember as Dutch from The Karate Kid, has raced his last lap. Born in Los Angeles to Hollywood legends Steve McQueen and Neile Adams, Chad was pretty much destined to have a need for speed. He passed away due to an organ failure on his ranch in Palm Desert, California, at the age of 63.
Chad’s life was like a thrilling action movie off-screen too. Besides acting in a bunch of action-packed films, the late actor was seriously into racing—kind of a family tradition. In 2010, he even started McQueen Racing, LLC, cranking out high-octane custom cars, motorcycles, and the sort of gear that would make any car enthusiast drool.
Family was at the heart of Chad’s life. After his passing, his family shared their grief in an Instagram post, writing:
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Chad McQueen. 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.
They also talked about how his racing passion wasn’t just about the thrill—it was his way of keeping his dad’s spirit alive and kicking.
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At his time of passing, Chad was married to Jeanie Galbraith. They tied the knot back on December 22, 1993. Together, they raised two kids, Chase, born in 1995, and Madison, in November 1996, in a home that was more than just fast cars—though those were definitely a bonus. Chad also had a son, Steven McQueen, from his first marriage to Stacey Toten.
Up next, let’s shift gears and check out some facts about Jeanie.
Jeanie Is From Afro-American Heritage
She was born on October 14, 1969, into an African American family. Growing up, Jeanie experienced firsthand the sting of racial prejudice, that her late father, Robert Galbraith, taught her to confront with courage and the power of voice.
The murder of her cousin, Timothy Coggins, in 1983, was a devastating blow. Killed in an act of racial violence, Timothy’s death didn’t just shatter her family—it was a painful reminder of the deep-rooted hatred that surrounded them. His murder went unsolved for years, casting a heavy shadow over their lives. For Jeanie, it was more than just a tragedy; it echoed the cruelty she had grown up with.
In 2020, when two suspects were finally arrested, Jeanie expressed her relief. She posted, “My family finally gets justice!” on Facebook, but the moment was about more than just the arrests. It represented years of suffering, the injustices they had endured, and the small sense of closure that finally came after decades of silence.
Jeanie also has a sister, Robin Click, who in October 2014, shared a touching throwback photo of their family on Facebook.
