Steve McQueen, the iconic American actor known for his roles in films such as "Bullitt" and
"The Great Escape," died at the age of 50 on November 7, 1980.
His death was surprise to everyone, with it coming less than a day after a surgery that
was meant to save his life.
Join us as Facts Verse presents: Steve McQueen Died at 50, Just 13 Hours After His Surgery
Early Life Steve McQueen, born on March 24, 1930, in
Beech Grove, Indiana, was an American actor who became one of the most popular and iconic
figures in Hollywood during the 1960s and 1970s.
His early life was marked by a challenging upbringing and several struggles before he
achieved success in the film industry.
McQueen's childhood was difficult, as his father, William Terence McQueen, abandoned
the family shortly after his birth.
His mother, Julia Ann Crawford, was unable to care for him, and he was raised by his
maternal grandparents in Slater, Missouri.
During this time, McQueen developed a rebellious streak and frequently found himself in trouble.
At the age of 12, he reunited with his mother, who had remarried, and they moved to Los Angeles.
In his teenage years, McQueen continued to face difficulties.
He often clashed with his stepfather and had frequent run-ins with the law.
McQueen was eventually sent to the California Junior Boys Republic, a reform school where
he began to turn his life around.
It was during his time there that he discovered his love for acting and participated in various
school plays.
After leaving the reform school, McQueen enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1947.
He served for three years, including a stint in the honor guard for President Harry S.
Truman's yacht.
Following his discharge in 1950, he used his GI Bill benefits to study acting at Sanford
Meisner's Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City.
In 1952, McQueen made his Broadway debut in the play "A Hatful of Rain," where he had
a small role as a drug addict.
Although the play itself was critically acclaimed, McQueen's role didn't attract much attention.
Despite this setback, he continued to audition for stage work and took on odd jobs to make
ends meet.
McQueen's breakthrough came in 1955 when he was discovered by a talent scout while working
as a towel boy in a New York gym.
The scout was impressed by his rugged looks and recommended him for a screen test with
the television network CBS.
As a result, McQueen was offered a contract with the network, leading to his first television
appearances in shows like "West Point" and "Studio One."
In 1958, McQueen's career took a significant leap forward with his casting in the lead
role of bounty hunter Josh Randall in the TV series "Wanted: Dead or Alive."
The show became an immediate success, making McQueen a household name and solidifying his
position as a rising star in Hollywood.
"Wanted: Dead or Alive" ran for three seasons, from 1958 to 1961, and showcased McQueen's
intense charisma and on-screen presence.
Transition Into Film While still working on the television series,
McQueen began transitioning into the film industry.
He made his feature film debut in the low-budget horror film "The Blob" in 1958.
Although the movie received mixed reviews, it became a cult classic and provided McQueen
with his first taste of big-screen success.
Following the success of "The Blob," McQueen appeared in several notable films that helped
cement his reputation as a talented actor.
These include "The Great Escape" (1963), where he starred alongside a stellar ensemble cast,
and "The Cincinnati Kid" (1965), in which he played a talented poker player.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, McQueen's career continued to soar with iconic roles
in films like "Bullitt" (1968), known for its thrilling car chase scene, and "The Thomas
Crown Affair" (1968), where he portrayed a wealthy playboy involved in an elaborate heist.
His performances were often characterized by his naturalistic acting style, brooding
intensity, and ability to portray complex characters.
Despite all of the success that he found in his career, McQueen's personal life was not
without its share of challenges.
He was married three times, with each marriage leaving a significant impact on his life.
In 1956, McQueen married actress Neile Adams, with whom he had two children, Terry and Chad.
Despite their initial happiness, their marriage was plagued by McQueen's infidelity and the
strain of his rising fame.
Eventually, they divorced in 1972.
Following his divorce from Adams, McQueen embarked on a whirlwind romance with actress
Ali MacGraw, whom he met while filming the 1972 movie "The Getaway."
The couple's relationship quickly blossomed, leading to their marriage in 1973.
However, their union was short-lived, and they divorced in 1978.
Despite their separation, McQueen and MacGraw remained on amicable terms.
In 1980, McQueen married his third wife, Barbara Minty, a model.
Their relationship proved to be the most peaceful and stable of his marriages, lasting until
his untimely death later that year.
Minty remained by his side throughout his battle with cancer, providing unwavering support
until the end.
While McQueen's love life often made headlines, his passions extended beyond the realm of
romance.
He had an insatiable appetite for motorcycles and racing, which became one of his defining
characteristics.
McQueen owned and rode various motorcycles, including Triumphs, Harley-Davidsons, and
Husqvarnas.
He even competed in professional motorcycle racing events, showcasing his daredevil spirit.
His love for speed was not limited to two wheels, as McQueen also dabbled in car racing.
He participated in several races, including the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring and the
grueling Baja 1000.
Racing provided an outlet for his need for adrenaline and served as an escape from the
pressures of fame.
Apart from his passion for speed, McQueen found solace in the outdoors.
He enjoyed activities such as hunting, fishing, and off-road riding.
Nature provided him with a sense of freedom and tranquility that he often sought in his
personal life.
His ranch in Santa Paula, California, known as the "McQueen Ranch," became a retreat where
he could embrace the natural world.
Health Issues While McQueen's personal life had its share
of successes and joys, it was also marred by health issues.
He was a heavy smoker and suffered from chronic lung problems, a consequence of his lifelong
habit.
In 1979, he received a devastating diagnosis of mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer
often linked to asbestos exposure.
Despite undergoing treatment, his health rapidly declined.
Not only that, but Steve McQueen's final days were marked by a controversial decision regarding
his medical treatment.
In early 1980, while battling terminal lung cancer, McQueen sought alternative treatments
in Mexico, including Laetrile, a controversial and unproven cancer therapy at the time.
During one of his visits to Mexico, McQueen consulted with a Mexican doctor named William
Donald Kelley.
According to reports, Dr. Kelley advised McQueen against undergoing surgery to remove tumors
from his neck and stomach.
Dr. Kelley believed that surgery would weaken McQueen's immune system and potentially accelerate
the spread of cancer cells throughout his body.
Dr. Kelley, who was known for his unconventional cancer treatments, allegedly warned McQueen
about the potential risks and advised him to focus on strengthening his immune system
through diet and alternative therapies.
The doctor reportedly emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to healing, suggesting
that surgery might compromise McQueen's overall well-being.
It is worth noting that Dr. Kelley's medical practices and beliefs were controversial and
not widely accepted by the mainstream medical community.
Laetrile, the treatment McQueen sought in Mexico, was not approved by the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) and was considered an ineffective and potentially dangerous cancer
therapy.
Despite being advised against surgery, McQueen ultimately decided to undergo the procedure
in the United States.
On October 22, 1980, he underwent a surgery called a pleurectomy, which aimed to remove
tumors from the lining of his right lung.
The operation, performed by Dr. James K. Abrahams at a clinic in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, was
considered high-risk due to McQueen's weakened condition.
Death and Legacy Unfortunately, the surgery did not go as planned,
and complications arose.
McQueen developed a postoperative infection and his health rapidly deteriorated.
He was transferred to a hospital in the United States, where he passed away on November 7,
1980, at the age of 50.
The decision to undergo surgery despite the advice against it remains a subject of debate
and speculation.
Some argue that McQueen's desire for a potential cure or relief from his condition led him
to take the risk, while others believe that his desperation for any form of treatment
clouded his judgment.
In the years following his death, Steve McQueen's medical choices and the controversy surrounding
his treatment have continued to be a topic of discussion.
The debate highlights the complexities of medical decision-making, particularly in cases
where conventional treatments may offer limited options for patients with advanced-stage cancer.
After Steve McQueen's death, his legacy as the "King of Cool" endured.
McQueen's rebellious and anti-establishment persona made him a cultural icon of the 1960s
and 1970s.
Regarding his children, Terry Leslie McQueen, also known as Terry McQueen Carrico, has largely
stayed away from the limelight.
She has worked as a stuntwoman and appeared in a few films, but has chosen to maintain
a relatively private life.
Terry McQueen Carrico has one child and currently resides in Idaho.
Chad McQueen, on the other hand, followed in his father's footsteps and pursued a career
in acting.
He has appeared in movies such as "The Karate Kid" and "The Hunter of the Apocalypse."
Chad is also a professional race car driver and has competed in various motorsport events
like the Baja 1000 and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
He is the co-owner of McQueen Racing, a company that produces high-performance parts for classic
Mustangs.
Chad McQueen has three children and currently resides in California.
Ultimately, Steve McQueen's decision to undergo surgery, despite being advised against it,
remains a significant aspect of his medical journey and the circumstances surrounding
his untimely death.
Now it’s time to hear from you: did you know that Steve McQueen suffered from cancer
during his final years, and that he tried some alternative therapies?
Comment down below!