How did Steve McQueen die? Here is the untold story
Steve McQueen, nicknamed King of Cool, was among the most sought-after Hollywood actors in the 1960s and 1970s. His life was cut short in 1980 after struggling to find treatment for his fatal ailment. How did Steve McQueen die?
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At the height of his career, Steve McQueen was among the highest-paid movie stars of his generation. His net worth was estimated to be $30 million at the time of his death in 1980 (equivalent to $100 million today). He left behind his wife, Barbara Minty, and two children, Terry and Chad.
Steve McQueen's profile summary and bio
| Full name | Terrence Stephen McQueen |
| Other names | Bandito, Mc, King of Cool, McQ |
| Date of birth | 24 March 1930 |
| Place of birth | Beech Grove, Indiana, United States |
| Date of death | 7 November 1980 |
| Place of death | Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico |
| Cause of death | Heart attack from cancer surgery |
| Place of burial | Ashes scattered in the Pacific Ocean |
| Age at death | 50 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christian |
| Height | 5 feet 9.75 inches (1.77 m) |
| Hair colour | Brown |
| Eye colour | Blue |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Marital status | Was married |
| Wife | Barbara Minty (January 1980 until Steve McQueen's death)Ali McGraw (1973 to 1978), Neile Adams (1956 to 1972) |
| Children | Two, including Chad and Terry |
| Profession | Actor |
| Year active | 1952 to 1980 |
How old was Steve McQueen when he died?
The Towering Inferno star was born on 24 March 1930 in Beech Groove, Indiana, United States. He passed away on 7 November 1980, in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, at 50.
Steve McQueen's cause of death
The actor's cause of death was a heart attack 12 hours after undergoing a 3-hour surgery to remove cancerous neck and abdomen tumours. The procedure was done at a clinic in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico.
In December 1979, McQueen was diagnosed with a rare form of fatal lung cancer called mesothelioma that had no cure. He had quit smoking and gone for antibiotic treatment in 1978 after developing a persistent chronic cough.
By February 1980, the cancer had spread, but American doctors told him nothing could be done to prolong his life. He then travelled to Rosarito Beach, Mexico, to try unconventional treatments, but they did not work.
Steve flew to Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, to undergo surgery to remove a huge abdominal tumour. He made the trip to Mexico despite American doctors telling him that his heart could not withstand a surgery of that magnitude.
He, unfortunately, died after the cancer surgery was thought to be successful. Steve was cremated, and his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.
Source: Getty Images
How did Steve McQueen get cancer?
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. The actor was believed to have been exposed to the material during his car racing days when he used to wear asbestos-lined crash suits.
He could also have inhaled the material during film production on movie sound stages insulated with asbestos. He could also have been exposed to it while removing asbestos lagging from pipes aboard a troop ship while serving in the US Marines.
Who was with Steve McQueen when he died?
McQueen's two friends, including his aeroplane mechanic, were present when he passed away. Steve's third wife, model Barbara Minty, whom he had married ten months prior in January 1980, was at his bedside but had just left before he died. His two children, Chad McQueen and Teri, from his marriage to his first wife, actress-dancer Neile Adams, were also with him in Mexico.
Source: Getty Images
What were Steve McQueen's last words?
The actor was asleep when his heart failed but said nothing before dying. He had, however, spoken to heart and kidney specialist Cesar Santos Vargas after his last chance surgery. Santos told reporters that he gave a thumbs-up sign and said in Spanish, 'Lo hice,' which translates to 'I did it!'
Who was the love of Steve McQueen's life?
Actor Andre Brooks, who portrayed Steve in the 2019 biopic Chasing Bullitt, told Closer Weekly that actress and dancer Neile Adams was the love of McQueen's life. The couple married in 1956 but started having marital problems because of the actor's extramarital affairs.
Source: Getty Images
How Steve McQueen died was painful and a huge loss of Hollywood talent. His legacy continues to live on through his movies and biopics. His son Chad is also an actor and producer.
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Source: Briefly News
