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Jim Kelly

Jim Kelly

Actor · Born 1946-05-05 · Paris, Kentucky, USA

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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.

Movies & TV Shows

  1. Enter the Dragon (1973) — Williams
  2. Highway to Heaven (1984) — Reporter
  3. Bruce Lee, the Legend (1984) — Self
  4. Black Belt Jones (1974) — Black Belt Jones
  5. Take a Hard Ride (1975) — Kashtok
  6. Black Samurai (1976) — Robert Sand
  7. Three the Hard Way (1974) — Mister Keyes
  8. Death Dimension (1978) — Lt. Detective J. Ash
  9. BaadAsssss Cinema (2002) — Self
  10. Death by Misadventure: The Mysterious Life of Bruce Lee (1993) — Self
  11. Mr. No Legs (1978)
  12. The Tattoo Connection (1978) — Lucas
  13. Hot Potato (1976) — Jones
  14. One Down, Two to Go (1982) — Chuck
  15. Golden Needles (1974) — Jeff
  16. Top Fighter (1995) — Self
  17. Afro Ninja (2009) — Cleavon Washington
  18. Stranglehold (1994) — Executive #4
  19. Melinda (1972) — Charles Atkins
  20. The Unbeatable Bruce Lee (2001)
  21. Kings of Cult (2015) — (archive footage)
  22. Ultimatum (1994) — Executive
  23. Macked, Hammered, Slaughtered and Shafted (2004) — Self
  24. Afros, Macks & Zodiacs (1995) — (archive footage)
  25. Location: Hong Kong with Enter the Dragon (1973) — Self