Steve McQueen was one of the most iconic and charismatic actors of Hollywood, known for his roles in classics like “The Great Escape”, “Bullitt”, and “The Thomas Crown Affair”. He was also a devoted father to his two children, Terry and Chad, from his first marriage to Neile Adams. However, his daughter Terry McQueen had a tragic and premature death at the age of 38, leaving behind a legacy of her own.
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Who was Terry McQueen?
Terry Leslie McQueen was born on June 5, 1959, in Los Angeles, California. She was the eldest child of Steve McQueen and Neile Adams, who were both actors. Terry grew up in a glamorous but turbulent environment, as her father was often away for work and had affairs with other women. Her parents divorced in 1972, when she was 13 years old.
Terry followed her parents’ footsteps and pursued a career in the entertainment industry. She worked as a production assistant, a script supervisor, and a producer. She founded her own production company, Terry McQueen Productions, in Malibu, California. She also had a passion for horses and competed in equestrian events.
Terry was married twice, first to Dennis Flattery in 1981, and then to Charles Gail in 1987. Both marriages ended in divorce. She had no children of her own.
What was Terry McQueen’s cause of death?
Terry McQueen suffered from several health problems throughout her life. She had hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron from food. This can damage the liver, pancreas, heart, and other organs. She also had pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that causes severe abdominal pain.
In November 1997, Terry experienced liver failure due to the cumulative effect of prescription painkillers on her damaged liver. She underwent an emergency liver transplant at UCLA Medical Center. However, the surgery was not successful, and she developed complications such as airway obstruction and respiratory failure.
She died on March 19, 1998, at the age of 38. Her mother, Neile Adams Toffel, said that she was glad that Steve McQueen did not see his daughter’s demise. Steve McQueen had died of cancer in 1980, at the age of 50.
How did Terry McQueen’s death affect her family and friends?
Terry McQueen’s death was a devastating loss for her family and friends. Her brother Chad McQueen said that he missed her terribly and that she was his best friend. He also said that he felt a connection with his father through her.
Her mother Neile Adams Toffel said that she was proud of her daughter’s achievements and that she was a beautiful person inside and out. She also said that she hoped that Terry’s story would raise awareness about organ donation and hemochromatosis.
Her former husband Charles Gail said that he loved her very much and that she was a wonderful woman. He also said that he regretted not being able to save her life.
Terry McQueen’s friends and colleagues remembered her as a talented and generous person who had a great sense of humor and a zest for life. They also said that she had a strong resemblance to her father in both looks and personality.
What is Terry McQueen’s legacy?
Terry McQueen left behind a legacy of her own as a producer and a philanthropist. She produced several documentaries and films, such as “The Legend of Earl Durand” (1974), “An American Hero: The Red Adair Story” (1986), “The Fire Next Time” (1993), and “The Making of ‘The Magnificent Seven’” (1996).
She also supported various charitable causes, such as animal welfare, environmental protection, children’s education, and cancer research. She donated money and time to organizations such as the Humane Society, the World Wildlife Fund, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the American Cancer Society.
She also honored her father’s memory by preserving his legacy and promoting his films. She helped organize retrospectives and tributes to Steve McQueen at various film festivals and museums. She also co-authored a book with Christopher Sandford called “Steve McQueen: The Final Chapter” (1983), which chronicled his last years and his battle with cancer.
Terry McQueen may have died young, but she lived a full and meaningful life. She touched many lives with her kindness and generosity. She also made her mark in the film industry with her creativity and vision. She was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a friend, and a producer. She was Terry McQueen.
