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.
Filmography
Kings of Cult
as (archive footage)
Kings of Cult
as (archive footage)
Afro Ninja
as Cleavon Washington
Afro Ninja
as Cleavon Washington
Macked, Hammered, Slaughtered and Shafted
as Self
Macked, Hammered, Slaughtered and Shafted
as Self
BaadAsssss Cinema
as Self
BaadAsssss Cinema
as Self
The Unbeatable Bruce Lee
The Unbeatable Bruce Lee
Top Fighter
as Self
Top Fighter
as Self
Afros, Macks & Zodiacs
as (archive footage)
Afros, Macks & Zodiacs
as (archive footage)
Ultimatum
as Executive
Ultimatum
as Executive
Stranglehold
as Executive #4
Stranglehold
as Executive #4
Death by Misadventure: The Mysterious Life of Bruce Lee
as Self
Death by Misadventure: The Mysterious Life of Bruce Lee
as Self
Bruce Lee, the Legend
as Self
Bruce Lee, the Legend
as Self
One Down, Two to Go
as Chuck
One Down, Two to Go
as Chuck
The Tattoo Connection
as Lucas
The Tattoo Connection
as Lucas
Death Dimension
as Lt. Detective J. Ash
Death Dimension
as Lt. Detective J. Ash
Mr. No Legs
Mr. No Legs
Black Samurai
as Robert Sand
Black Samurai
as Robert Sand
Hot Potato
as Jones
Hot Potato
as Jones
Take a Hard Ride
as Kashtok
Take a Hard Ride
as Kashtok
Golden Needles
as Jeff
Golden Needles
as Jeff
Three the Hard Way
as Mister Keyes
Three the Hard Way
as Mister Keyes
Black Belt Jones
as Black Belt Jones
Black Belt Jones
as Black Belt Jones
Enter the Dragon
as Williams
Enter the Dragon
as Williams
Location: Hong Kong with Enter the Dragon
as Self
Location: Hong Kong with Enter the Dragon
as Self
Melinda
as Charles Atkins
Melinda
as Charles Atkins