Chad McQueen, an actor known for his roles in the “Karate Kid” films and the son of the late actor and race car driver Steve McQueen, has passed away. He was 63.

McQueen's legal representative and close friend, Arthur H. Barens, confirmed to The Associated Press that he passed away on Wednesday. The cause of death was not revealed. His wife Jeanie and his children Chase and Madison shared a statement on Instagram Thursday afternoon from McQueen's verified account, announcing the news of his passing with “a heavy heart.”

“His extraordinary journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering commitment to our mother, truly embodied a life brimming with love and devotion. 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,” the statement reads.

“He passed on his passion, knowledge, and dedication to us, and we will carry on not only his legacy but our grandfather's as well,” the statement continued.

The family requested privacy as they “remember and celebrate his remarkable life.”

McQueen followed in his father's footsteps, pursuing both acting and race car driving. He gained recognition for his portrayal of Dutch, the antagonist in 1984's “The Karate Kid,” and its sequel two years later.

While he appeared in several films after the popular action franchise, including “New York Cop,” “Squanderers” and “Red Line,” he ultimately became more involved in racing than acting, and he eventually established McQueen Racing , a company that specializes in creating custom cars, motorcycles, and accessories. His son Chase, who also races, and his daughter Madison now manage the company.

“I no longer found acting enjoyable,” McQueen told The Associated Press in a 2005 interview. “So, I decided to fully dedicate myself to racing.”

McQueen's professional racing career spanned years, including participation in prestigious endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona, before a series of driving-related injuries forced him to step back from the sport.

His work with McQueen racing aimed to preserve and carry on his father's legacy. McQueen also produced two documentaries about his father: “I Am Steve McQueen” and “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans.”

McQueen was the only son of his parents, Neile Toffel and his wife. He had one sister, Terry, who passed away from respiratory complications at the age of 38 in 1998. He is survived by his wife Jeanie and their three children, Chase, Madison, and Steven, who is an actor known for his role in “The Vampire Diaries.”