‘Truly One Of A Kind’: Karate Kid Star Chad McQueen Remembered By Castmate William Zabka After His Passing At 63

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As a devoted follower of the iconic Karate Kid series, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the camaraderie and bond that was forged among its cast members over the years. The recent passing of Chad McQueen, my esteemed colleague and friend, has left an indelible void in our hearts.

William Zabka has recently bid farewell to his late Karate Kid co-star, Chad McQueen, who passed away on September 11 in Palm Springs at the age of 63 due to organ failure. Most notably, McQueen is remembered for playing Dutch in The Karate Kid (1984) and its sequel, but he was also a well-known racing professional.

Last Friday, September 13, Zabka, who is 58 years old, shared behind-the-scenes photos from The Karate Kid set on social media. These pictures were taken with his fellow cast members, including Rob Garrison, Ron Thomas, Tony O’Dell, and Pat Morita, in an emotional message that he posted on Sunday, September 15.

Looking back on my days at the Cobra Kai dojo, I can honestly say that Johnny Lawrence, aka McQueen, was simply unparalleled. He’d roll up to the set in a flashy silver Porsche with tunes pumping loud, while I’d be there in my humble Honda Accord. But it wasn’t just about the cars or the music – his presence, his energy, and his spirit made him the coolest, most captivating character on set. McQueen was truly the original Cobra’s badass, in a way that was both fun and electrifying.

He wrote, “I’m so thankful I had the chance to reconnect with him over the past few years. It was like no time had gone by at all. My love and deepest sympathies to his wife and family. RIP Chadwick — my dear friend & Cobra Kai brother 4 ever.”

In simpler terms, Zabka praised McQueen for being the bravest and funniest among all, emphasizing that their bond remained unbroken despite the years apart. He also expressed his sorrow to McQueen’s family, underscoring the deep friendship they shared as co-stars and friends.

Ron Thomas, another actor from The Karate Kid, likewise expressed his tribute to McQueen through an Instagram post. He reminisced about their shared experiences and how they forged a connection during filming. Thomas specifically mentioned that when he collaborated with McQueen, he often aimed to add excitement to the longest filming days to ensure things never grew monotonous.

He concluded, “I have no doubt you are striking hard in that Divine Dojo and racing fast through the streets of heaven. Be careful not to get pulled over by the police, or you know what happens; you’ll be late to the set! R.I.P. My Cobra brother!” He felt very grief-stricken by Chad McQueen’s death and offered his condolences to his family.

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2024-09-14 11:52