Introduction
Terry Leslie McQueen was born on June 5, 1959, in Santa Monica, California, to actor Steve McQueen and actress Neile Adams. Raised in Los Angeles, she attended Brentwood School and studied business at UCLA. Instead of acting, Terry focused on managing her father’s legacy, working with CMG Worldwide on licensing and memorabilia.
She was 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. At age 38, Terry passed away on March 19, 1998. Terry McQueen’s cause of death was complications from a liver transplant and respiratory failure. This tragic outcome highlighted the risks of transplant surgery, as about 15% of the 4,500 annual U.S. liver transplants face serious issues. Terry McQueen’s cause of death remains a reminder of those challenges.
| Basics | Details |
| Full Name | Terry Leslie McQueen |
| Birth Date | June 5, 1959 |
| Birthplace | Santa Monica, California |
| Parents | Steve McQueen and Neile Adams |
| Education | Brentwood School; Business studies at UCLA |
| Childhood | Raised in Los Angeles, focused on academics and family |
| Career Focus | Managed Steve McQueen’s intellectual property |
| Key Role | Handled licensing, branding, and memorabilia |
| Partnerships | Worked with CMG Worldwide on legacy protection |
| Contributions | Supported exhibits, merchandise, and documentaries |
| Height & Weight | 5’6″ (167 cm); 130 lbs (59 kg) |
| Health & Lifestyle | Lived healthily but suffered from chronic illness |
| Terry McQueen’s Cause Of Death | Died from respiratory failure after a liver transplant |
| Age at Death | 38 years old (March 19, 1998) |
| Family Ties | Half-brother: Chad McQueen; strong Hollywood lineage |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 million from estate and royalties |
Terry McQueen’s Cause of Death
Terry McQueen passed away on March 19, 1998, at the age of 38, in Los Angeles. Her death occurred at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. The official statement listed Terry McQueen’s cause of death as complications arising from liver transplant surgery combined with respiratory failure. Her unfortunate passing drew public attention to transplant recovery dangers and demonstrated how complex such surgeries can be, even in advanced healthcare facilities.

Disease and Diagnosis
- She was diagnosed with chronic liver disease during the 1990s.
- Her condition, believed to be caused by autoimmune or metabolic disorders, slowly progressed into complete liver failure.
- As her symptoms worsened by the end of 1997, doctors at UCLA Medical Center advised a liver transplant.
- Terry McQueen’s cause of death stemmed from complications related to this severe liver condition.
Medical Treatment and Liver Transplant
On February 19, 1998, Terry underwent a liver transplant at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. The operation initially succeeded, but the recovery process proved to be complicated. She developed infections and organ dysfunction, partly due to immunosuppressive medications. Her cause of death resulted from her body’s inability to recover after the transplant. These challenges highlight the risks liver transplant patients face during post-surgical healing.
Complications and Respiratory Failure
By early March 1998, Terry suffered respiratory failure—a serious condition in which the lungs cannot provide enough oxygen. This, combined with transplant-related complications, led to a rapid health decline. Despite intensive care, her condition worsened. Her death, officially documented as complications from a liver transplant and respiratory failure, was a tragic result of her body’s weakened state and poor post-operative response.

Data and Awareness on Liver Transplant Outcomes
In 1998, over 4,500 liver transplants took place in the U.S., and while the success rate was around 85%, roughly 15% of patients faced life-threatening complications. Terry McQueen’s cause of death serves as an example of such high-risk cases. Her situation underscores the importance of early liver disease detection, stronger post-transplant care, and public awareness about organ donation. Her story remains influential in conversations about liver health and transplant recovery.
Early Life and Education
Terry Leslie McQueen was born on June 5, 1959, at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. She was the only daughter of iconic actor Steve McQueen and Filipino-American actress Neile Adams. Terry spent her childhood in Los Angeles, attending Brentwood School. Later, she pursued business studies at UCLA. Terry McQueen valued education and remained focused on applying her learning to manage family affairs.
Career
- While Terry McQueen did not pursue acting, she made a career behind the scenes.
- She took charge of managing Steve McQueen’s intellectual property, including licensing agreements and memorabilia.
- Based in Los Angeles, she worked with CMG Worldwide to protect her father’s brand image.
- Terry McQueen was instrumental in promoting his legacy through exhibitions, documentaries, and merchandise, becoming an essential figure in legacy estate management within the entertainment industry.
Height, Weight, and Age
Terry McQueen stood approximately 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall and weighed around 130 pounds (59 kg). She had a gentle, poised appearance and carried herself with dignity. At the time of her death on March 19, 1998, she was 38 years old. Her physical traits reflected her active lifestyle and passion for healthy living, though her chronic illness later took a toll on her health.

Family and Net Worth
- Terry was part of a prominent Hollywood lineage.
- Her father, Steve McQueen, starred in classic films like “Bullitt” and “The Great Escape,” while her mother, Neile Adams, appeared in Broadway and film productions.
- Terry had a half-brother, Chad McQueen, who was known for his roles in action films and his involvement in auto racing.
- Terry McQueen’s estimated net worth at the time of passing was around $1 million, mainly derived from royalties and estate-related ventures.
Legacy and Lifestyle
Despite her celebrity background, Terry lived a relatively low-profile lifestyle in Malibu, California. She was passionate about protecting her father’s image and worked on various legacy projects, including The Steve McQueen Foundation. Her lifestyle reflected balance, discretion, and a strong sense of duty. Terry McQueen remains remembered for her dedication to preserving family heritage and her thoughtful contributions to the entertainment legacy of one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars.

Conclusion
Terry McQueen dedicated her life to preserving her father Steve McQueen’s legacy, managing valuable intellectual property and memorabilia. She passed away at 38 from complications related to a liver transplant. Terry McQueen’s cause of death highlights the serious risks faced by approximately 15% of the 4,500 liver transplant patients in the U.S. annually. Her story reminds us of these challenges, and Terry’s cause of death continues to raise awareness about transplant risks while honoring her essential role in Hollywood’s history.
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FAQs
She focused on managing her father, Steve McQueen’s, intellectual property, handling licensing deals, and protecting his brand image through CMG Worldwide.
Her cause of death was complications after a liver transplant surgery combined with respiratory failure, which occurred in 1998 at age 38.
She died on March 19, 1998, at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, following complications related to liver transplant surgery.
She helped protect Steve McQueen’s brand through licensing, exhibitions, merchandise, and documentaries by collaborating with companies like CMG Worldwide.
At the time of her passing, Terry McQueen’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, primarily from royalties and managing her father’s estate.


