10 Things You Didn't Know About Steve McQueen

1. He Died As A Born Again Christian

Although having been raised as a Roman Catholic, McQueen spent most of his life being not particularly religious. But after a lifetime of living life on the edge, he began to slow down towards his final years. Due in part to the influence of his third wife Barbara and his flying instructor, he became an Evangelical Christian, attending church regularly. Cleaning himself up, he gave up cigarettes in 1978 due to a persistent cough. Unfortunately, the cough and associated shortness of breath turned out to be lung cancer. McQueen blamed the illness on exposure to asbestos in the protective racing suits he had worn, and in March 1980 it was disclosed by the National Enquirer that his cancer was terminal. He died on 7th November of cardiac arrest, but left behind a legacy unlike any other actor's. Even 35 years later, Steve McQueen is still the King of Cool. Know any more surprising facts about McQueen? Your favourite McQueen movie? Leave a comment below!