Forty years ago, Nov. 7, 1980, actor Steve McQueen died of heart failure at a Juárez clinic while recovering from surgery to remove cancerous tumors of the neck and stomach.

How long did Steve McQueen have cancer before he died?

McQueen was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma on Dec. 22, 1979, and died of cardiac arrest from widespread metastasis less than a year later at age 50. His cancer was traced to asbestos exposure from his time in the military prior to his acting career.

What caused Steve McQueen's lung cancer?

Sadly, McQueen's acting career was cut short by an unexpected pleural mesothelioma diagnosis. It is believed that McQueen was exposed to asbestos while serving in the United States Marine Corps in the late 1940s. In 1980, McQueen died of mesothelioma at the age of 50.

Why did Steve McQueen go to Mexico for cancer treatment?

But McQueen was interested in the treatment, which was based on the notion that cancers arose and grew from a lack of enough pancreatic enzymes. In July 1980, McQueen secretly traveled to Rosarita Beach, Mexico, to be treated by Mexican and American doctors using Dr. Kelley's regimen.

What illness did McQueen have?

On November 7, 1980, McQueen died of a heart attack at 3:45 a.m. at a Juárez hospital, 12 hours after surgery to remove or reduce numerous metastatic tumors in his neck and abdomen. He was 50 years old.

Steve McQueen Died at 50, Just 13 Hours After His Surgery

Why did Steve McQueen get mesothelioma?

Doctors advised McQueen that he likely contracted the aggressive and terminal form of cancer after being exposed to asbestos during his time in the Marines. McQueen ultimately sought alternative treatment for mesothelioma in Mexico, where he would later succumb to the illness.

What did Steve McQueen's last words mean?

After the operation, McQueen was in good spirits, talking coherently. Santos Vargas said he gave another thumbs up sign and said in Spanish, “Lo hice,” or “I did it!” Santos Vargas said he interpreted that to mean that McQueen thought he would survive.

What were Steve McQueen's last words when he died?

McQueen was asleep when his heart failed, and the doctor said he died without saying anything.

Who did Steve McQueen leave his fortune to?

His pups—Juice, Callum and Minter—were included in his suicide note and had even walked the runway with him. He left the same amount of money to his godson, nieces, and nephews, as well as each of his two housekeepers. McQueen's two brothers and three sisters will each receive $410,000.

Who was the highest paid actor in The Great Escape?

Watch the trailer for The Great Escape (1963)

By then, Steve McQueen was the undisputed big name, but he was actually paid $87,500, to James Garner's $150,000. During filming he had become powerful enough to threaten to walk off the project if he wasn't given a bigger role, and he made various other ego-driven demands.

Was Steve McQueen a cigarette smoker?

He also very much liked his cigarettes: Like many Hollywood stars of the time, McQueen was an unapologetically heavy smoker, and did not break the habit until he became sick in the late '70s.

What kind of cancer did John Wayne have?

Our History is His Story. John Wayne beat lung cancer in 1964. He died 15 years later after a struggle with cancer of the stomach. During this difficult period, he became passionate about helping others fight this terrible disease.

Who was Steve McQueen married to when he died?

Barbara Minty (born June 11, 1953), also known as Barbara Minty McQueen, is a former fashion model who was the third wife and widow of American film star Steve McQueen.

Who is Steve McQueen's son?

Chadwick Steven "Chad" McQueen (born December 28, 1960) is a former American actor, film producer, martial artist, and race-car driver. As an actor and producer, he was known for playing Dutch in The Karate Kid and The Karate Kid Part II. He is the only son of actor Steve McQueen. Los Angeles, California, U.S.

How old would Steve McQueen be today?

Today, March 24, 2023, would have been Steve McQueen's 93rd birthday! The popular '60s and '70s actor died at just 50 in 1980 after undergoing some unorthodox cancer treatments. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma and believed to be exposed to asbestos due to his love for fast cars and motorcycles.

What is considered Steve McQueen's best movie?

Who was the highest paid actor in 1974?

With his antihero persona, and branded as “The King of Cool,” in 1974 Steve McQueen was the highest-paid movie star in the world.

Who is Steve McQueen's grandson?

Steven R. McQueen was born on July 13, 1988 in Los Angeles, California. His father is Chad McQueen and his mother is Stacia Robitaille (married to NHL Hall of Famer Luc Robitaille). He is also the grandson of actor Steve McQueen and actress Neile Adams.

What was Steve McQueen doing when he died?

Forty years ago, Nov. 7, 1980, actor Steve McQueen died of heart failure at a Juárez clinic while recovering from surgery to remove cancerous tumors of the neck and stomach.

Was Steve McQueen cremated?

Steve McQueen passed away on November 7, 1980, at age 50 after the cancer surgery which was said to be successful. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea. He married three times and had a lifelong love of motor racing, once remarking, "Racing is life.

Why did Steve McQueen say "lo hice"?

Before McQueen passed away in 1980 his last words were in Spanish Lo Hice for “I did it”. This summons up McQueen's whole life purpose, a life once fast but well lived.

Was Steve McQueen in the military?

From 1947 to 1950, Steve McQueen was part of the United States Marine Corps.

What church did Steve McQueen attend?

McQueen and his wife, Barbara, also a Christian, attended a small Baptist church in Ventura, Calif., with Mason and his wife. "Mason told me that Steve studied the Bible religiously," Graham said, "and that Steve and Barbara both grew greatly in Christ."