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  • BIRTH 05/05/1946
  • DEATH 29/06/2013
  • Country United States
  • MOVIES 12

Jim Kelly

James Milton "Jim" Kelly (May 5, 1946 – June 29, 2013) was an American athlete, martial artist, and actor best known for his roles in 1970s action and blaxploitation films. Born in Millersburg, Kentucky, Kelly excelled in athletics from a young age, participating in multiple sports before dedicating himself to Okinawan karate. He became a decorated karate champion, winning several prestigious titles in 1971 and opening his own dojo in Los Angeles. His appearance alongside Bruce Lee in "Enter the Dragon" (1973) launched his acting career, leading to starring roles in films like "Black Belt Jones" (1974) and "Three the Hard Way" (1974). Beyond martial arts and acting, Kelly was also a professional tennis player, achieving a high ranking in senior men's doubles in California. Jim Kelly, who was 6'2" (1.88 m), died on June 29, 2013, in San Diego, California, due to cancer. He is remembered as the first Black martial arts film star, who broke down the color barrier and left a memorable presence on screen.

Jim Kelly

Movies (12)

Enter the Dragon
Enter the Dragon
Williams
Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror
Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror
Self (archive footage)
Take a Hard Ride
Take a Hard Ride
Kashtok
Death by Misadventure: The Mysterious Life of Bruce Lee
Death by Misadventure: The Mysterious Life…
Self
Top Fighter
Top Fighter
Self
Three the Hard Way
Three the Hard Way
Mister Keyes
Death Dimension
Death Dimension
Lt. Detective J. Ash
Melinda
Melinda
Charles Atkins
Black Samurai
Black Samurai
Robert Sand
鉅鑽風雲
鉅鑽風雲
Lucas
Black Belt Jones
Black Belt Jones
Black Belt Jones
BaadAsssss Cinema
BaadAsssss Cinema
Self