'King of cool' turns to the King of kings

Steve McQueen – the iconic ‘King of Cool’ – was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, known for his tough-guy roles and daredevil stunts. But behind the leather jacket and fast cars lay a man battling demons, who found unexpected peace in faith before his tragic death.

McQueen rocketed to fame with blockbuster hits like The Magnificent Seven (1960) and The Great Escape (1963), where his legendary motorcycle chase over barbed wire still thrills fans. He owned the 60s and 70s with classics including Bullitt (1968), featuring one of the most gripping car chases ever filmed without CGI, and The Sand Pebbles (1966), for which he bagged an Academy Award nomination.

Yet the rebel’s roaring success masked a troubled life. Raised by an alcoholic mother and abusive stepfathers, McQueen’s childhood was far from Hollywood glam. He ran away to join the circus as a boy and later found himself on a prison chain gang. Despite the fame and fortune, he wrestled with anxiety, depression, and addiction.

But the most surprising chapter came near the end of his life. According to Pastor Greg Laurie and biographer Marshall Terrill, McQueen found Jesus and became a born-again Christian shortly before his cancer diagnosis.

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