The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) has announced that it will honor the life of actor Steve McQueen with its Warren Zevon “Keep Me In Your Heart” Memorial Tribute Award. McQueen died in 1980 from mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos.

Accepting the award on her late husband’s behalf, Barbara McQueen expressed her gratitude to the ADAO for their work in spreading awareness of the health risks of asbestos:

Steve’s death was a long and painful ordeal and my heart goes out to those who have been exposed to asbestos as well as their loved ones. We’re all in the same family and I commend ADAO for the great work they do on behalf of asbestos awareness.

After studying acting on a scholarship earned through the G.I. Bill, McQueen rose to fame in the late 50s through his role on the TV show “Wanted: Dead or Alive.” Roles in film classics such as “The Magnificent Seven,” “The Great Escape” and “Bullitt” soon followed, eventually turning McQueen into the highest paid actor in Hollywood.

A noted auto enthusiast, McQueen was exposed to asbestos from the protective suits that he wore during races, as well as from asbestos on movie sound stages. However, the actor stated in interviews that his disease was likely the result of his service in the Marines, during which time he removed asbestos insulation from pipes that were found onboard troop ships.

McQueen was one of the first celebrities to be diagnosed with mesothelioma, a deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure that can affect the lining of the heart, lungs or abdomen. Other celebrities who have died from mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure include NFL Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen and singer Warren Zevon, the namesake of the award given to McQueen.

Despite the tragedy of his death, McQueen’s celebrity help bring widespread attention to mesothelioma and the health risks of asbestos exposure for the first time. His courageous fight against mesothelioma cancer and the legacy of his career are an inspiration to the thousands of asbestos victims worldwide who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.