17 Reasons Steve McQueen Is The King Of Cool

The King of Cool wasn't just a title, it was a way of life.

1. He was a racecar driver.

He was a thrill-seeker who loved fast cars, especially racing them. He was once quoted saying, "Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting."

2. And he was an avid motorcyclist.

He raced them, too. He was even inducted to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. When he died, he owned 210 motorcycles.

3. As well as a pilot.

4. He made for a handsome grease monkey.

5. But he sure cleaned up nice.

6. Really nice.

Life

7. He was a US Marine.

Sure, he spent a while in the brig, but he was also chosen to be on President Harry Truman's honor guard. He saved the lives of 5 men after tanks were plunged under the Arctic waters.

8. He fought fires.

Via mcqueenonline.com

He starred in the towering inferno alongside Paul Newman as fire chief Mike O'Hallorhan. But also, he fought a real fire on a studio set during a promo party for his movie Nevada Smith.

"Almost all of the guests were quicky evacuated from the studio lots as the fire raged, but not Steve, who immediately got into the thick of it, fighting side by side with the professional firefighters against a blaze that was now so large that it could be seen all over Hollywood. The fire was eventually contained through the bravery of all who were involved in fighting it."

9. He had great style.

After all, cool never goes out of style.

10. Denim + Steve = Always a Good Idea

11. But less is more.

Geyard

12. He wasn't too serious.

13. He could make people laugh on and off screen.

14.

No comment needed.

REX

15. He was a good father.

He had two kids; a girl and a boy-- Terry and Chad.

16. He loved animals.

His family cat.

17. He especially loved his trusty dog, Mike

TIME

Here Mike wakes up Steve on a camping trip.