From the golden days of Hollywood, some legacies have stuck around so well that even after all these years, just a mention brings them right back into the spotlight. Think Henry Cavill’s Superman or Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic Terminator—iconic, right? Similarly, The Karate Kid films of the '90s are eternally linked to William Zabka, sometimes even sparking debates over classic versus newer takes on The Karate Kid saga. But another name tightly tied to both the original and Cobra Kai is Chadwick McQueen, who, tragically, breathed his last on September 11.

Reflecting on their journey together, Zabka shared a heartfelt tribute, reminiscing about the bond of brotherhood they formed from their early filming days all the way to the present.

Chadwick McQueen, known and loved for his role as Dutch in The Karate Kid series, sadly left us at 63, his family confirmed on Thursday, September 12. William Zabka, a fellow star from The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai, shared a moving tribute on X, sharing pictures from their time on-screen and calling McQueen his "Cobra Kai brother 4 ever." Reporting on McQueen's passing, Zabka reminisced about their time on set together, creating memories that still shine brightly.

Zabka admired McQueen for many reasons, but his rebellious spirit and infectious humor made him truly unforgettable. While Zabka has a special bond with the original cast, he fondly dubbed McQueen “the baddest of the OG Cobra's in the most fun and entertaining way.” Grateful for the chance to reconnect with him in recent years, Zabka noted how it felt as though no time had passed between them. 

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While Zabka, his family, and co-stars celebrate McQueen's acting career, McQueen shared his dad's passion for racing.

Just like his legendary dad, Chadwick McQueen had a need for speed. He launched McQueen Racing in 2010, a company dedicated to high-octane performance vehicles. Starting with dirt bikes at 9 years old, Chadwick got the drive when he grew up on movie sets. According to his company, McQueen has an impressive track record, with podium finishes in the Sports Car Club of America and International Motor Sports Association races.

From 2001, Chadwick’s life was all about racing until a near-disastrous crash at Daytona International Speedway put the brakes on his racing career. Though he never got back on the track, he hung onto some of his dad’s iconic cars and bikes. So, while people might remember him from his on-screen antics, Chadwick was more than just an actor, practically a speed demon with a legacy that ran deep.

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What do you think of William Zabka's tribute to Chadwick McQueen from The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai? Let us know in the comments below!