Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee (November 27, 1940 – July 20, 1973) was a Hong Kong American martial artist, martial arts instructor, philosopher, actor, movie director, movie producer, screenwriter, and founder of the Jeet Kune Do martial arts movement.
Bruce Lee | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 Lee in 1967 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | Lee Jun-fan November 27, 1940 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | July 20, 1973 (aged 32) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cause of death | Cerebral edema | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation | Actor, movie director, movie producer, screenwriter, martial arts instructor (Jeet Kune Do), philosopher | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years active | 1941–1973 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Known for | Acting roles:
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| Spouse(s) | Linda Lee Cadwell (m. 1964) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Website | Bruce Lee Foundation Bruce Lee official website | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lee is famous for making martial arts popular in the United States in the 1970s, when he played in a series of movies. This included the first ever martial arts movie in the United States - called Enter the Dragon. This was the most successful and famous, which was released after Bruce's death. He died in 1973 during the production of a movie called, The Game of Death. The movie was not finished, although some completed section were later released. Almost 20 years later his son, Brandon Lee would also die while making a movie. Lee also taught other people martial arts, including actors Huggo Chairres, Steve McQueen, James Coburn, and basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He inspired many other actors who are famous for using martial arts in their movies including Jean-Claude Van Damme, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Tony Jaa, and Chuck Norris. Jackie Chan had a small part in 'Enter The Dragon' and Chuck Norris co-starred in Way of The Dragon.
Lee starred in five movies, including The Big Boss, Fist of Fury (also known as The Chinese Connection and The Iron Hand), The Way of the Dragon (also known as Return of the Dragon), Enter the Dragon and The Game of Death.
He is noted for his major contributions to both the Hong Kong and American movie industry during the 1970s, his martial arts movement and innovative ideas (including Jeet Kune Do), his philosophy, and his physical fitness ability. He is considered to be a cultural icon and is considered to be one of the most influential martial artists ever by social critics and other martial artists alike.
On the night of July 20, 1973, Lee aged 32, died at his home from cerebral edema, which is a buildup of fluid around the brain. This is believed to have been caused by a reaction to painkillers he was taking for a back injury.
Bruce Lee Media
Bruce Lee as a baby with his parents, Grace Ho and Lee Hoi-chuen
Lee and Yip Man in 1958
A publicity photo of Williams and Lee for The Green Hornet in 1966
The Jeet Kune Do emblem is a registered trademark held by the Bruce Lee Estate. The Chinese characters around the Taijitu symbol read: "Using no way as way" and "Having no limitation as limitation". The arrows represent the endless interaction between yang and yin.
Bruce Lee's star at the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong
Bruce Lee's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Bruce Lee playing a child in movie.
Publicity photo of Bruce Lee with son Brandon. Per source, the photo was accompanied by an original color press kit folder for Enter the Dragon." This is standard publicity style promotional photo.*See film still for general copyright info for celebrity photos.
Bruce Lee is buried next to his son Brandon at Lake View Cemetery in Seattle.
