35 Facts About Steve Mcqueen Death

Early Life and Career

Steve McQueen, born Terrence Stephen McQueen on March 24, 1930, in Beech Grove, Indiana, began his journey to stardom with humble beginnings. His early life was marked by a series of small roles that eventually led to his breakout performance.

1. McQueen's acting career took off in the late 1950s, with his first significant role in the 1958 sci-fi horror film The Blob.
2. His performance in The Blob was a surprise hit, earning him numerous offers for future roles.
3. McQueen's portrayal of Josh Randall in the television series Wanted: Dead or Alive (1958-1961) solidified his status as a leading man in television.

Rise to Stardom

McQueen's career continued to soar as he took on more challenging and iconic roles. His ability to portray complex characters made him a favorite among audiences and critics alike.

4. In 1963, McQueen starred in The Great Escape, playing Captain Virgil Hilts, a role that cemented his position as a major Hollywood star.
5. Known for his adventurous lifestyle, McQueen was a thrill-seeker who loved fast cars and motorcycles, often competing in motorsport events during the 1960s and 1970s.
6. McQueen married Barbara Minty in 1976, and despite his terminal cancer diagnosis, the couple remained together until his death.

Health Struggles and Cancer Diagnosis

Steve McQueen's life took a tragic turn when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1980. His battle with the disease was marked by a desperate search for alternative treatments.

7. The National Enquirer made McQueen's cancer diagnosis public in March 1980, leading to an outpouring of support from fans and the media.
8. In search of alternative treatments, McQueen traveled to Mexico, where he met William D. Kelley, a disgraced orthodontist who claimed to have cured his own pancreatic cancer.
9. Kelley’s controversial treatment regimen included coffee enemas, daily injections of cow and sheep cells, massages, and doses of laetrile.

Final Days and Death

McQueen's final days were marked by a series of desperate measures to combat his illness. His death came shortly after undergoing surgery in Mexico.

10. On November 5, 1980, McQueen checked into Clinica de Santa Rosa in Juarez, Mexico, under the pseudonym "Samuel Sheppard."
11. He underwent a three-hour surgery to remove numerous cancerous tumors from his abdomen and neck, performed by Dr. Cesar Santos Vargas.
12. Despite initial signs of improvement, McQueen's condition worsened rapidly, and he died two days later from cardiac arrest.
13. Steve McQueen passed away at 2:50 a.m. on November 7, 1980, at the age of 50.
14. An autopsy revealed the extent of his cancer, which had spread to his lungs, neck, and intestines.

Legacy and Influence

Steve McQueen's legacy continues to inspire actors and filmmakers today. His influence on popular culture remains profound, and his adventurous spirit is remembered fondly.

15. McQueen's love for motorcycles was evident in his film The Great Escape, where he performed many of his own stunts.
16. Known for his extensive car collection, McQueen owned classic models like the Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder and the Porsche 911.
17. In 1974, McQueen became the highest-paid actor in the world, thanks to his role in The Towering Inferno.
18. McQueen narrowly escaped being a victim of Charles Manson's hit list in 1969, deeply affecting him.
19. He had a celebrity bodyguard named Mr. T, who also protected other high-profile celebrities like Michael Jackson and Diana Ross.

Personal Struggles and Substance Use

Despite his success, McQueen faced numerous personal struggles, including substance abuse and reckless behavior, which contributed to his health issues.

20. Biographer Marc Eliot revealed that McQueen used a significant amount of cocaine in the early 1970s.
21. McQueen was a heavy cigarette smoker throughout his life, contributing to his overall health issues.
22. Photographer William Claxton noted that McQueen smoked marijuana almost every day.
23. In 1972, McQueen was arrested for driving while intoxicated in Anchorage, Alaska.

Asbestos Exposure and Health Impact

McQueen's exposure to asbestos throughout his life played a significant role in his eventual diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma.

24. He was exposed to asbestos while removing insulation from ships as a marine and acting around asbestos sound-proofing on sound stages.
25. Despite his demanding nature, McQueen had a soft spot for charitable causes, donating items to the Boys Republic reformatory school.

Political Views and Personal Beliefs

McQueen's political views and personal beliefs evolved over time, reflecting his complex personality and life experiences.

26. McQueen supported Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1964 United States presidential election despite being registered as a Republican.
27. He also supported Richard Nixon in the 1968 election.
28. In the final years of his life, McQueen converted to Christianity, influenced by his flying instructor Sammy Mason and evangelist Billy Graham.

Physical Fitness and Hobbies

McQueen's commitment to physical fitness and his various hobbies added another dimension to his persona, both on and off the screen.

29. McQueen followed a rigorous exercise regimen involving weightlifting and running seven days a week.
30. He learned the martial art Tang Soo Do from ninth-degree black belt Pat E. Johnson, influencing his roles in films like The Great Escape.

Relationships and Feuds

McQueen's relationships with his neighbors and fellow celebrities were often marked by both camaraderie and conflict.

31. He famously had a feud with Keith Moon, the drummer of The Who, over Moon's noisy lifestyle.
32. McQueen appeared in numerous iconic films, including The Great Escape, Papillon, and Le Mans.
33. His roles in films like The Towering Inferno made him one of the most recognizable stars of his time.

Final Desperate Measures

In his final months, McQueen's desperation for a cure led him to seek out unconventional treatments, reflecting his relentless spirit.

34. McQueen traveled to Mexico in search of a cure, undergoing bizarre treatments under the guidance of William D. Kelley.
35. His death on November 7, 1980, marked the end of a life filled with adventure and stardom, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Steve McQueen's Enduring Legacy

Steve McQueen's life was a whirlwind of adventure, fame, and personal battles. From his early days in Indiana to becoming Hollywood's highest-paid actor, McQueen's journey was anything but ordinary. His love for fast cars, motorcycles, and thrill-seeking defined much of his persona. Despite his struggles with substance abuse and a terminal cancer diagnosis, McQueen's determination never wavered. His desperate search for alternative treatments in Mexico highlighted his relentless spirit. Even in his final days, he remained a fighter. McQueen's death on November 7, 1980, marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on. His influence on film and pop culture remains undeniable. Steve McQueen will always be remembered as the "King of Cool," a man who lived life on his own terms and left an indelible mark on the world.