Known For
Acting
Born
May 05, 1946
Died
Jun 29, 2013
Place of Birth
Paris, Kentucky, USA
Credits
25 titles
Jim Kelly
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.
Known For
Filmography
Kings of Cult
(archive footage)
Afro Ninja
Cleavon Washington
Macked, Hammered, Slaughtered and Shafted
Self
BaadAsssss Cinema
Self
The Unbeatable Bruce Lee
Top Fighter
Self
Afros, Macks & Zodiacs
(archive footage)
Ultimatum
Executive
Stranglehold
Executive #4
Death by Misadventure: The Mysterious Life of Bruce Lee
Self
Highway to Heaven
Reporter
Bruce Lee, the Legend
Self
One Down, Two to Go
Chuck
The Tattoo Connection
Lucas
Death Dimension
Lt. Detective J. Ash
Mr. No Legs
Black Samurai
Robert Sand
Hot Potato
Jones
Take a Hard Ride
Kashtok
Golden Needles
Jeff
Three the Hard Way
Mister Keyes
Black Belt Jones
Black Belt Jones
Enter the Dragon
Williams
Location: Hong Kong with Enter the Dragon
Self
Melinda
Charles Atkins