Terence Steven McQueen (March 24, 1930 - November 7, 1980) was an American actor. He was called " The King of Cool ", whose  " anti-hero " persona developed at the height of the counterculture of the 1960's and made him a top box-office draw of the 60's and 70's. McQueen received an Academy Award nomination for his role in The Sand Pebbles. His other popular films include " The Cincinatti Kid, The Thomas Crown Affair, Bullitt, The Getaway,  and Papillon , as well as the all-star ensemble films The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape, and The Towering Inferno. In 1974, he became the highest-paid movie star in the world. 

McQueen was an avid motorcycle and race car enthusiast. When he had the opportunity to drive in a movie, he performed many of his own stunts.