On this day in history, November 7, 1980, "King of Cool," Steve McQueen, who was among the top actors in Hollywood during the 1960s and 1970s, died at the age of 50. He was renowned for his roles in action thrillers like 'Bullitt' and 'The Towering Inferno'.
Terrence Steven McQueen was born on March 24, 1930, to Julian Crawford and William McQueen in Beech Grove, Indiana. He had a challenging childhood that led him to spend time in a reform school. In the late 1940s, he served in the US Marine Corps. Following his service, he pursued acting and developed a passion for motorcycle racing.
'King of Cool' Steve McQueen's military service
In 1946, Steve McQueen had a brief stint with the United States Merchant Marines before he took up various jobs. In 1947, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Despite completing his basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, McQueen's issues with authority led to his demotion to private at least seven times.
However, during a training exercise, he heroically saved five Marines by pulling them out of a tank that was about to plunge into the ice-covered Arctic sea. Subsequently, he was assigned to the honor guard, responsible for safeguarding the USS Williamsburg, President Harry S Truman's presidential yacht.
In addition to these duties, McQueen served as a tank driver and mechanic. His service ended with an honorable discharge in 1950, per VA News.
Steve McQueen's acting career
Following his service in the Marine Corps, McQueen capitalized on the GI Bill to pursue acting lessons in New York. In 1952, he was awarded a scholarship to study at the Herbert Berghof Studio.
His Broadway debut reportedly came in 1955 with the show 'A Hatful of Rain'. His career took off as he starred in a variety of roles, including the 1958 horror film 'The Blob', the CBS Western series 'Wanted: Dead or Alive', and the 1960 Western film 'The Magnificent Seven'. His portrayal of anti-hero characters earned him immense popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, leading fans to dub him "The King of Cool."
Steve McQueen's passion for motorcycle racing
McQueen, had a fervor for cars and motorcycles. He was reportedly involved in stunt driving, took part in both auto and motorcycle races, and amassed a collection of various motorcycles. In 1964, he was a member of the inaugural American team that competed in the International Six-Day Trial.
His contributions to the field were recognized with his induction into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1978 and the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999. Additionally, he made appearances in Ford Motor Company’s car commercials in 1998 and 2005.
The actor's bond with his "favorite stuntman and best friend" Bud Ekins recently made it to the actor's posthumous social media account. The post read, "Steve and Buds families would often spend the weekends together racing in the desert. They then would go on to work together on several projects together such as Bullitt, The Thomas Crown Affair, The Cincinnati Kid and On Any Sunday."
It added, "Steve McQueen also took up Bud’s hobby of collecting motorcycles, although as Bud says in an interview, “It wasn’t as much fun after Steve died.” Steve would eventually leave Bud first pick of his motorcycle collection after his death
Awards won by Steve McQueen
Throughout his acting career, McQueen was the recipient of numerous accolades, including two Golden Globes and a Jules Verne Award. In 1986, his contributions to the film industry were further recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Beyond his professional achievements, the legend was known for his compassion and generosity. He made a point to assist those in need and frequently donated to Boys Republic, a gesture of appreciation for the significant role the organization played in his life.
Steve McQueen's family
McQueen was reportedly married to Neile Adams from 1956 until 1972, and the couple had two children. His next marriage was to Ali MacGraw, which lasted from 1973 to 1978. In 1980, he tied the knot with his last wife, Barbara Minty.
His legacy in the acting industry continues through his grandson, Steven R McQueen. A post on his social media profile featured a photo of him and his first wife, in a car. The caption says, "Steve McQueen and his first wife, Neile Adams, going for a drive in the 58 Speedster. This iconic car, which holds special significance to McQueen's love for automobiles, is now proudly owned by his son, Chad McQueen."
How did Steve McQueen die?
Steve McQueen’s death reportedly occurred in Mexico, where he was receiving an unconventional treatment for cancer. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer type often associated with asbestos exposure, in 1979.
It was later speculated that McQueen might have been exposed to asbestos through his racing suits. In the summer of 1980, he journeyed to Rosarito Beach to undergo a cancer treatment that included procedures like coffee enemas and a therapy using apricot pits. On November 6, 1980, he underwent surgery to excise cancerous growths from his body, but tragically, he died the next day, per History.
What were Steve McQueen's final films?
The last two films of his career were 'Tom Horn' and 'The Hunter', both of which premiered in 1980.
