Steve McQueen: Cause of Death, Love Life, and the King of Cool

Steve McQueen made it look easy—cool, fast, untouchable. But behind the leather jacket and the iconic Bullitt car chase was a man who struggled with health, temper, and relationships. This article looks at the real McQueen, from his mesothelioma diagnosis to the women he loved and the fortune he left behind.

Died at age: 50 ·
Marriages: 3 ·
Estimated net worth at death: $30 million ·
Films starring in major hits: Over 20 ·
Height: 5’10” (178 cm) ·
Known as: King of Cool

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

Died of pleural mesothelioma on November 7, 1980 (Wikipedia)
Heavy smoker, up to 3 packs a day (Wikipedia)
Married three times: Neile Adams, Ali MacGraw, Barbara Minty (Wikipedia)
Children Chad and Terry inherited most of his estate (Mesothelioma.com)

2What’s unclear

Whether Neile Adams was unequivocally “the love of his life” (subjective claim) (Wikipedia (no audited figure))
Exact net worth at death varied across sources (Wikipedia (no audited figure))
His temper and feud with Paul Newman – documented but subjective in intensity (Wikipedia)
Exact date of first symptom uncertain (Wikipedia)
Marine Corps asbestos link probable but not definitively proven (Mesothelioma.com)

3Key metrics

Height: 5’10” (178 cm) (Wikipedia)
Estimated net worth at death: $30 million (Wikipedia)
Major film hits: over 20 (Wikipedia)

4Personal timeline

Born Terrence Stephen McQueen on March 24, 1930 (Wikipedia)
Married Neile Adams in 1956 (Wikipedia)
Married Ali MacGraw in 1973 (Wikipedia)
Married Barbara Minty in 1980 (Wikipedia)

Below is a quick-reference table of Steve McQueen’s personal details.

Full Name	Terrence Stephen McQueen
Born	March 24, 1930
Died	November 7, 1980 (age 50)
Occupation	Actor, race car driver
Spouses	Neile Adams (1956–1972), Ali MacGraw (1973–1978), Barbara Minty (1980)
Children	Chad McQueen, Terry McQueen
Net Worth at Death	Approximately $30 million

What was the cause of death of actor Steve McQueen?

Steve McQueen died on November 7, 1980, at age 50, from pleural mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos exposure. His diagnosis came after a persistent cough in early 1978, and a biopsy on December 22, 1979, confirmed the disease. He traveled to Mexico in October 1980 for experimental surgery but died of a heart attack hours after the operation (Wikipedia).

What type of cancer killed Steve McQueen?

Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, is caused by inhaled asbestos fibers. McQueen believed his exposure came from removing asbestos pipe lagging in Marine Corps ship engine rooms and possibly from movie sound-stage insulation (MesotheliomaGuide; Simmons Firm).

Did smoking cause his death?

No. While McQueen was a heavy smoker (up to three packs a day), his death was directly caused by mesothelioma, not lung cancer. However, smoking likely compounded his health problems (Wikipedia).

McQueen’s death from mesothelioma underscores the long-term dangers of asbestos exposure, even decades after contact.

The implication: even the “King of Cool” was not immune to the hidden hazards of a bygone era.

Who was Steve McQueen’s love of his life?

Many biographers and those close to McQueen point to his first wife, Neile Adams, as the love of his life. She supported his career and they had two children, Chad and Terry. However, the marriage ended in 1972 after McQueen’s infidelity. His second wife, Ali MacGraw, described their relationship as passionate but turbulent (Wikipedia).

Who was Steve McQueen’s spouse?

McQueen married three times: Neile Adams (1956–1972), Ali MacGraw (1973–1978), and Barbara Minty (1980, until his death).

How many times was he married?

Three times, as listed above.

“He was the love of my life.” — Neile Adams, in interviews.

Was Steve McQueen a heavy cigarette smoker?

Yes, he was a heavy smoker, consuming up to three packs a day. He was also a heavy drinker, known for partying with Oliver Reed. These habits contributed to his overall health decline (Wikipedia).

Was Steve McQueen a big drinker?

Yes. Biographers note that McQueen drank heavily, especially during his rise to fame. His partying lifestyle was often compared to that of Oliver Reed (Wikipedia).

McQueen’s smoking and drinking habits, while not the direct cause of his death, likely weakened his body and complicated his cancer treatment.

The catch: his vices compounded the damage done by asbestos, creating a perfect storm of health issues.

Did Steve McQueen have a temper?

McQueen was notorious for his temper and was often difficult on set. He clashed with directors and co-stars, leading to a famous feud with Paul Newman, which stemmed from competitiveness and personality clashes (Wikipedia).

Why did Paul Newman not like Steve McQueen?

The rivalry was fueled by both actors competing for similar roles and McQueen’s aggressive behavior. Newman reportedly found McQueen’s attitude grating.

How did Steve McQueen rebel against Hollywood?

He often refused to follow studio rules, demanded creative control, and was known for his rebellious, anti-authoritarian persona both on and off screen.

“McQueen was a complicated man. He could be charming one moment and volatile the next.” — Biographer Marshall Terrill.

Who inherited Steve McQueen’s money when he died?

McQueen’s fortune was divided among his children, Chad and Terry McQueen, and his wife Barbara Minty. His iconic car from Bullitt was auctioned for millions (Mesothelioma.com).

Who are Steve McQueen’s children?

Chad McQueen and Terry McQueen.

What happened to his car collection?

Many of his cars were sold, including the 1968 Ford Mustang GT from Bullitt, which sold for $3.74 million at auction in 2020.

McQueen’s children inherited the bulk of his estate, reflecting his desire to provide for his family despite his turbulent personal life.

The pattern: even in death, the King of Cool ensured his legacy would support the next generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Steve McQueen’s first film role?

His first credited film role was in “The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery” (1959).

Did Steve McQueen do his own stunts?

Yes, he famously performed many of his own stunts, including the car chase in Bullitt.

What was Steve McQueen’s military service?

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1947 to 1950.

Was Steve McQueen an only child?

No, he had a younger sister.

How many movies did Steve McQueen make?

He appeared in over 20 major films.

What is Steve McQueen’s most famous car?

His 1968 Ford Mustang GT from Bullitt is the most famous.

Did Steve McQueen win any awards?

He never won an Oscar but received several nominations and honorary awards.

Steve McQueen’s legacy as the King of Cool remains intact, but his life was a complex mix of triumph and turmoil.