Steve McQueen’s Grandson Grew as Handsome as the Legend — He Keeps Grandfather’s Legacy by Following in His Footsteps

Terrence Stephen McQueen, most famously known as Steve McQueen, was born in 1930 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was an iconic American actor known for his macho and laconic persona. He began his acting career in the 1950s and gained prominence with starring roles in films like “The Magnificent Seven” (1960) and “The Great Escape” (1963).

Throughout the 1960s, Steve appeared in several critically acclaimed movies, including “The Sand Pebbles” (1966) and “Bullitt” (1968), where his passion for racing was showcased in a famous car chase scene. In the 1970s, Steve continued to deliver successful performances in films like “The Getaway” (1972) and “The Towering Inferno” (1974).

Despite his skyrocketing fame and success, Steve didn’t focus on developing his acting skills and took a hiatus to work on a passion project, “An Enemy of the People” (1977), which received mixed reviews.

Unfortunately, the ultra-cool male movie star of the ’60s left the world too soon and never got to meet and interact with his grandchildren. In 1980, at age 50, Steve passed away in Mexico after battling mesothelioma, a form of cancer.

Steve garnered praise, appreciation, and accolades in his seemingly short but impactful acting career, including a 1967 Oscar nominee for Best Actor in a Leading Role, two Golden Globes, and a 2010 Jules Verne Award. He posthumously earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1986.

Even four decades after his demise, the legendary star’s style is as popular as when he ruled the silver screen. His passion for motor racing was showcased in the documentary, “Steve McQueen: The Man and Le Man.”

In 2017, his son, Chad McQueen, spoke about his father’s passion for racing and love for animals, among other things. Chad mentioned that despite his dad’s tough image, he had a soft side for animals. He would often bring home stray dogs from the bar, that would become their new pets.

Moreover, Chad revealed that his father had a profound passion for motor racing. According to him, Steve had an extensive network and knowledge of various racing disciplines in Europe and America. He was acquainted with notable brands like Lotus, Ferrari, and Porsche.

The “King of Cool” reportedly encouraged his son to race motorcycles at a young age and allowed him to drive before he was of legal age. However, after one drive together, Steve admitted to being scared and was said to have never driven with Chad again.

The “Papillon” actor was married thrice and had two children: Chad and Terry McQueen. Terry, born on June 5, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, was previously married to Dennis Flattery.

As Steve’s daughter and Chad’s half-sister, she was said to have limited interaction with her father as a baby. Surprisingly, she lived close to his last residence and gravesite without knowing. Despite auditioning for a role in “The Chase,” Terry never had the chance to meet her half-brother.

Terry sadly passed away at 38 after a courageous battle with a fatal disease. Her untimely death occurred on March 19, 1998, in L.A.

Several years after her untimely passing, the McQueen family also announced Chad’s demise on Instagram recently. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father Chad McQueen,” his loved ones penned on the platform.

Per reports, Chad passed away on September 11, 2024 at his ranch in Palm Desert, California. His cause of death was due to organ failure, his longtime attorney, Arthur Barens, revealed.

The movie star reportedly suffered an injury several years ago which led to progressive organ failure, and ultimately killed him. He was surrounded by his wife, kids and attorney when he took his last breath.

Born on December 28, 1960, in Los Angeles, California, Chad, was an actor and producer. He was recognized for his roles in films such as “The Karate Kid” (1984), “The Karate Kid Part II” (1986), and “Firepower” (1993).

Steve McQueen’s Grandson Has Kept His Legacy Alive

Chad initially pursued acting like his father but later transitioned to professional racing. He consciously avoided projects closely tied to his father’s works, declining roles in films such as “The Blob” and choosing not to participate in a TV show based on “Bullitt.” Embracing his inherited passion for racing, he started his racing career at a young age.

In 2010, Chad founded McQueen Racing, LLC, offering high-quality automobiles and limited-edition custom vehicles. The company reflects his passion for cars and racing, collaborating with filmmakers to honor his father’s legacy. He also produced the documentary “Filming at Speed: The Making of the Movie Le Mans,” which earned him a Telly Award.

Chad’s influence extends beyond racing and entrepreneurship. He’s been married twice, first to Stacia Toten and then to Jeanie Galbraith, who is now a widow. Chad welcomed a son named Steven R. McQueen with Toten and two more kids—Chase and Madison McQueen—with Galbraith.

Chad’s oldest son, Steven, has followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps to become an actor. He’s best known for his roles in popular TV series such as “The Vampire Diaries” and “Chicago Fire.”

Steven, born on July 13, 1988, in Los Angeles, is an American actor known for his role as Jeremy Gilbert on “The Vampire Diaries.” He gained recognition for his work on the TV series “Everwood” and starred in the film “Piranha 3-D.”

He comes from a notable family, with his father Chad and his grandparents Steve and Neile Adams. Steven has siblings from both sides of his family and possesses several skills.

He’s good at martial arts, ice hockey, kickboxing, and horseback riding while also enjoying video games. He also loves engaging in volunteer projects.

Steven has had a diverse acting career. He played Jake Forrester in “Piranha 3D” (2010) and portrayed Jimmy Borelli in “Chicago Fire” (2015-2016).

He appeared in “The Take Off (2018) and “Home by Spring” (2018) and reprised his “The Vampire Diaries” role as Jeremy in “Legacies” (2018). He also played Joseph Vittori in the TV series “Medal of Honor” and had a role in “The Warrant” (2020).

During an interview in August 2010 for his film “Piranha 3D,” Steven was asked about his renowned McQueen lineage. Despite never meeting his famous grandfather, who passed away in 1980, eight years before Steven was born, the actor expressed that he inherited his competitive spirit and passion for motorcycles.

Steven credited his grandfather’s legacy for opening certain doors for him in Hollywood and acknowledged its influence on his career.

On another occasion, Steven revealed that while living in Detroit, he experienced a lack of direction. During that time, he immersed himself in watching movies, including his late grandfather’s films like “The Thomas Crown Affair,” “Bullitt,” and “The Great Escape.”

This sparked his passion, leading him to move back to L.A. and pursue acting by taking classes. Despite admiring his grandpa’s work, Steven believed in staying true to himself and gravitated towards darker material.

After appearing in the WB drama “Everwood” and the film “Piranha 3D,” Steven had the opportunity to choose between two shows: “Melrose Place” and “The Vampire Diaries.” He opted for the latter, attracted to the character of Jeremy, whom he described as deeply troubled.

Although he recognized the advantages and challenges of sharing his iconic grandfather’s name, Steven saw it as a motivating factor in his career.

In 2014, Steven showcased his motorcycle skills and fit physique in a campaign for Abercrombie and Fitch, looking just as dashing as his late grandfather.

The then-25-year-old “TVD” alum also revealed his family crest tattoo and a quote from Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken,” symbolizing the importance of embracing choices and taking unconventional paths.

Even though Steven never met his legendary granddad, he’s committed to carrying on his rich legacy and is already doing a stellar job!