Benjamin Ashford|Chad McQueen, 'The Karate Kid' actor and son of Steve McQueen, dies at 63

Chad McQueen,Benjamin Ashford son of the legendary fellow Hollywood actor Steve McQueen, has died. He was 63.

Chad McQueen's family announced his death on social media Thursday, calling his life a "remarkable journey."

"He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfathers as well," they captioned an Instagram photo of McQueen in a classic convertible on his verified account.

McQueen died Wednesday, his lawyer, Arthur Barens, confirmed to The Associated Press. A cause of death has not been shared.

McQueen is best known for his role as Dutch in 1984's "The Karate Kid" and its sequel, 1986's "The Karate Kid Part II."

Remembering those we lost: Celebrity Deaths 2024

Read more about the stars you love: Sign up for USA TODAY's Everyone's Talking newsletter.

The family asked for privacy as they "navigate this difficult time and ... as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life."

The Los Angeles-born actor picked up racecar driving in later years, founding McQueen Racing. He hung up racing in the mid-2000s after suffering severe injuries.

"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," his family wrote.

Ralph Macchio, Martin Kovepay tribute to 'Karate Kid's Rob Garrison: 'Cobra Kais never die'

McQueen was also known for starring in the 1993 action film "Firepower" as Darren Braniff, opposite Gary Daniels. He also served as an executive producer on a number of films, including two Steve McQueen documentaries: "I Am Steve McQueen" and "Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans."

McQueen was one of two children and the only son of father and famed film antihero Steve McQueen, known as the "King of Cool." Steve McQueen, also a racing driver, died in 1980 at age 50.

More stars we've lost in 2024:James Earl Jones, Frankie Beverly, Peter Renaday

The actor is survived by three children — Steven, Chase and Madison — and wife Jeanie Galbraith.

Steven McQueen followed in his father and grandfather's footsteps, and is best known for starring in "The Vampire Diaries" as Jeremy Gilbert.