Steve McQueen, the iconic American actor celebrated for his captivating performances in timeless classics like “Bullitt” and “The Great Escape,” left an indelible mark on the landscape of Hollywood. McQueen’s journey to stardom was a tale of perseverance amidst adversity, a narrative woven with threads of resilience, determination, and unwavering passion for his craft. Raised by his maternal grandparents in Slater, Missouri, following his father’s departure, McQueen’s early years were marked by a rebellious spirit and a longing for adventure.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born on March 24, 1930, in Beech Grove, Indiana, McQueen’s early life was marked by hardship and adversity. Abandoned by his father shortly after birth, he was raised by his maternal grandparents in Slater, Missouri. A rebellious streak defined his youth, leading to encounters with law enforcement and eventual enrollment in the California Junior Boys Republic, where he discovered a passion for acting.
After serving in the United States Marine Corps, McQueen pursued his dream of acting, studying at Sanford Meisner’s Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City. His breakthrough came in 1958 when he landed the lead role of bounty hunter Josh Randall in the hit TV series “Wanted: Dead or Alive.” This propelled him to stardom, paving the way for a transition into feature films.
McQueen’s foray into movies began with the low-budget horror flick “The Blob” in 1958, followed by memorable performances in films like “The Great Escape” and “The Cincinnati Kid.” Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he solidified his status as a Hollywood icon with roles in classics such as “Bullitt” and “The Thomas Crown Affair.”
Terrence Stephen McQueen, known as Steve McQueen, left an indelible mark as an American actor and racing driver. His iconic antihero persona, which resonated strongly during the countercultural movements of the 1960s, propelled him to the forefront of Hollywood’s box office. Affectionately dubbed the “King of Cool,” McQueen also ventured into motor racing under the pseudonym Harvey Mushman.
McQueen’s cinematic repertoire boasted acclaimed performances, earning him an Academy Award nomination for his role in The Sand Pebbles (1966). His illustrious career featured standout roles in films such as The Cincinnati Kid (1965), Bullitt (1968), and Papillon (1973), solidifying his status as a leading figure in the industry. Despite occasional clashes with directors and producers, McQueen’s immense popularity made him one of the highest-paid movie stars globally by 1974, showcasing his unparalleled influence and appeal.
Personal Life and Marriages
Despite his professional success, McQueen’s personal life was tumultuous. He was married three times, with each marriage facing its share of challenges. His third and final marriage to Barbara Minty brought a semblance of stability amid his battle with cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 1979.
While still attending Stella Adler’s school in New York, McQueen dated Gia Scala, adding a touch of romance to his bustling life in the city. His personal life was a rollercoaster of relationships and tumultuous affairs, mirroring the intensity of his on-screen presence. On November 2, 1956, he married Filipina actress and dancer Neile Adams, solidifying a partnership that would weather many storms.
Together, they had a daughter, Terry Leslie, born on June 5, 1959, and a son, Chad, born on December 28, 1960. However, McQueen and Adams faced their share of challenges, ultimately leading to their divorce in 1972. Adams later revealed in her autobiography, “My Husband, My Friend,” the struggles they endured, including a heartbreaking abortion in 1971 during a turbulent period in their marriage.
McQueen’s romantic entanglements extended beyond his marriage to Adams, with alleged affairs with Mamie Van Doren and Lauren Hutton adding to the intrigue of his personal life. His relationship with Barbara Leigh during his separation from Adams resulted in a pregnancy and subsequent abortion, further complicating his already tumultuous journey.
In 1973, McQueen tied the knot with actress Ali MacGraw, his co-star in “The Getaway,” but their union was short-lived, ending in divorce in 1978. Despite the fleeting nature of their marriage, some friends claimed that MacGraw was the true love of McQueen’s life, leaving an indelible mark on his heart.
However, McQueen found solace and stability in his final marriage to model Barbara Minty, whom he married on January 16, 1980, less than a year before his death. Minty’s book, “Steve McQueen: The Last Mile,” sheds light on McQueen’s spiritual journey towards the end of his life, revealing his embrace of Evangelical Christianity.
Influenced by his flying instructor, Sammy Mason, Mason’s son Pete, and Minty herself, McQueen became a regular attendee of Ventura Missionary Church, finding peace and solace in his newfound faith. His encounter with evangelist Billy Graham shortly before his death marked a poignant moment in his spiritual journey, reflecting the profound impact of his evolving beliefs on his final days.
Health Struggles and Death
McQueen was renowned for his dedication to fitness, adhering to a rigorous two-hour exercise routine that included weightlifting and, at one point, running an impressive 5 miles (8 km) every day of the week. His commitment to physical prowess extended to martial arts, as he learned Tang Soo Do from ninth-degree black belt Pat E. Johnson. However, amidst his disciplined lifestyle, McQueen struggled with substance abuse, with reports indicating his regular use of marijuana and a significant cocaine habit in the early 1970s, as revealed by biographer Marc Eliot.
Additionally, McQueen battled with heavy cigarette smoking and occasional excessive drinking, which led to legal troubles, including an arrest for driving under the influence in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1972. Despite his health-conscious habits, McQueen grappled with personal demons that punctuated his otherwise disciplined lifestyle.
McQueen’s health issues, exacerbated by his heavy smoking habit, culminated in a diagnosis of mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer. Seeking alternative treatments, he traveled to Mexico for therapies like Laetrile, despite skepticism from the medical community. In a controversial decision, he opted for surgery in the United States, which ultimately led to complications and his untimely demise.
Steve McQueen’s battle with illness began in early 1978 when he developed a persistent cough. Despite quitting smoking and undergoing antibiotic treatments, his condition worsened, and on December 22, 1979, a biopsy revealed pleural mesothelioma, likely stemming from asbestos exposure. By February 1980, evidence of metastasis emerged, leading McQueen to keep his condition private until March 11, 1980, when the National Enquirer disclosed his terminal cancer diagnosis.
Seeking unconventional treatment, he traveled to Mexico in July 1980, igniting controversy over his choice of practitioner, William Donald Kelley, and his methods, which included unproven therapies like coffee enemas and laetrile. Despite claims of a cure, McQueen’s health deteriorated, culminating in a fatal heart attack on November 7, 1980, just hours after undergoing surgery to remove tumors in Mexico. He was 50. His memorial service was held by Leonard DeWitt, and McQueen’s ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.
Legacy and Remembrance
Despite his premature death, McQueen’s legacy as the “King of Cool” endures. His rebellious spirit and charismatic on-screen presence made him an emblem of the 1960s and 1970s counterculture. Beyond his cinematic achievements, McQueen’s love for motorcycles, racing, and the outdoors left an indelible mark on popular culture.
In the years following his passing, debates surrounding McQueen’s medical choices and the circumstances of his death continue to captivate fans and medical professionals alike. His children, Terry Leslie McQueen and Chad McQueen, have preserved his memory while forging their paths in the entertainment industry and motorsport.
In conclusion, Steve McQueen’s decision to undergo surgery, despite warnings, remains a poignant reminder of the complexities of medical decision-making in the face of terminal illness. Though gone too soon, his enduring influence ensures that his legend lives on in the hearts of moviegoers and racing enthusiasts worldwide.
