Steve McQueen, often dubbed the “King of Cool,” left an indelible mark on Hollywood with his rugged charm, rebel spirit, and magnetic screen presence.
From gritty action films to classic dramas, he defined an era of American cinema and became one of the most bankable stars of the 1960s and 70s.
Decades later, his legacy lives on through his grandson, Steven R. McQueen, who has carved out his own path in the world of acting.
The King of Cool: Steve McQueen
Born Terence Steven McQueen on March 24, 1930, Steve McQueen rose from a troubled childhood to become one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors.
He started gaining attention with roles in Wanted: Dead or Alive and The Blob, but it was his performances in The Magnificent Seven (1960), The Great Escape (1963), Bullitt (1968), and The Thomas Crown Affair (1968) that cemented his status as a superstar.
Offscreen, he lived much like the characters he portrayed: independent, adventurous, and sometimes unpredictable. His passion for racing and love of motorcycles and fast cars became part of his legend.
Though he passed away in 1980 at the age of just 50, McQueen’s influence on pop culture has endured. He remains a symbol of masculine cool — rebellious, self-assured, and stylish in a way that never felt forced.
The Heir to the Screen: Steven R. McQueen
Steven R. McQueen was born on July 13, 1988, eight years after his famous grandfather’s death. The “R” in his name stands for “Robitaille,” his mother’s maiden name, but professionally, he embraced the McQueen legacy.
Steven began his acting career in the mid-2000s with guest roles on shows like Without a Trace and CSI: Miami, but his breakout came when he was cast as Jeremy Gilbert on The Vampire Diaries in 2009.
He later joined the cast of NBC’s Chicago Fire, portraying rookie firefighter Jimmy Borelli, further showcasing his range as an actor and his comfort in action-driven roles, not unlike his grandfather.
Although comparisons to his legendary grandfather are inevitable, Steven R. McQueen has largely avoided trying to replicate Steve McQueen’s rebel persona. Instead, he has built a career rooted in sincerity and consistency, primarily on the small screen.
