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Jim Kelly

Acting Born May 5, 1946 Paris, Kentucky, USA 24 credits

Biography

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.

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Known for

Film

Joint Security Area

as Reporter
Film

Enter the Dragon

as Williams

Full filmography

  • Highway to Heaven (1984) as Reporter
  • Enter the Dragon (1973) as Williams
  • Bruce Lee, the Legend (1984) as Self
  • Top Fighter (1995) as Self
  • Black Belt Jones (1974) as Black Belt Jones
  • The Unbeatable Bruce Lee (2001)
  • Hot Potato (1976) as Jones
  • BaadAsssss Cinema (2002) as Self
  • Take a Hard Ride (1975) as Kashtok
  • The Tattoo Connection (1978) as Lucas
  • Mr. No Legs (1978)
  • Golden Needles (1974) as Jeff
  • Three the Hard Way (1974) as Mister Keyes
  • Afro Ninja (2009) as Cleavon Washington
  • Death Dimension (1978) as Lt. Detective J. Ash
  • Stranglehold (1994) as Executive #4
  • One Down, Two to Go (1982) as Chuck
  • Melinda (1972) as Charles Atkins
  • Black Samurai (1976) as Robert Sand
  • Macked, Hammered, Slaughtered and Shafted (2004) as Self
  • Death by Misadventure: The Mysterious Life of Bruce Lee (1993) as Self
  • Ultimatum (1994) as Executive
  • Location: Hong Kong with Enter the Dragon (1973) as Self
  • Kings of Cult (2015) as (archive footage)