The “King of Cool” Steve McQueen passed away on this day in 1980 due to pleural mesothelioma, a cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Born Terence Stephen McQueen on March 24, 1930, he would go on to make a name for himself in Hollywood and on the racetrack. Starring in such films as The Cincinnati Kid, The Thomas Crown Affair, The Getaway, Oscar nominated The Sand Pebbles and Papillon, McQueen was well known on the screen. His other passion, which was reflected in many of his movies, including Bullitt, was auto racing.
Above: McQueen in the Bullitt Mustang. Top: McQueen with his horse, Doc, and his Jaguar XKSS (1960).
In several of his movies, including the famous chase scene through the streets of San Francisco in Bullitt, McQueen conducted much of his own driving stunts. ...