Ultimate Behind-the-Scene Look At Steve McQueen, King Of Cool

Smoking, Drugs, and Asbestos May Have Killed Him

That image of the smoking Steve McQueen helps to make his “bad boy,” but he was also reportedly into drugs (marijuana and cocaine) as well. Recreational drug and alcohol use wasn’t unusual, particularly not for actors who achieved the international acclaim he did.

McQueen was later diagnosed with lung cancer, which may have been exacerbated by his smoking. The primary underlying cause, though, appears to have been the asbestos exposure he experienced as a Marine (he scraped asbestos off pipes on the ship) and as a race-car driver (he wore a fire-retardant racing suit).