Steve McQueen. The king of cool, arrested by German cops during filming of 'The Great Escape'.

Steve McQueen, known as "The King of Cool," was not just a Hollywood icon, but a notorious thrill-seeker who loved to push the limits both on and off the screen.

In 1962, McQueen was cast in the role of "The Cooler King" in "The Great Escape," a film based on the true story of a group of Allied prisoners of war who attempt to escape from a Nazi camp during World War II. McQueen wanted to do his own stunts, including riding the motorcycle during the famous chase scene. But the production team concerned about damage to their prized actor, hired stunt double Bud Ekin a professional rider to do that most dangerous stunt.

McQueen, however, was not easily deterred. One day, while filming in the German countryside, he took one of the motorcycles for a joyride on a nearby road. McQueen pushed the bike to its limits, reaching speeds of over 100 miles per hour. Little did he know the local cops set up a speed trap near the set. Several members of the cast and crew were caught, including McQueen. The Chief of Police told McQueen "Herr McQueen, we have caught several of your comrades today, but you have won the prize (for the highest speeding)." McQueen was arrested and briefly jailed.

McQueen's passion for speed and adrenaline continued to be a defining aspect of his career. He went on to star in many more motorsport action films, including "Bullitt" and "Le Mans," both featuring the most thrilling car chases on celluloid. 

All in all, Steve McQueen was a true legend both on and off the screen. His portrayal of "Cooler King" in The Great Escape will always be remembered as one of his greatest performances, but it's the stories of his off-set antics and daredevil stunts that truly cement his place in Hollywood history.