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.
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.
External links
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/nm0446485
Wikipedia: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q714870
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Filmography (Movies)
Kings of Cult
Character:(archive footage)
Release Date:02/09/2015
Afro Ninja
Character:Cleavon Washington
Release Date:17/03/2009
Macked, Hammered, Slaughtered and Shafted
Character:Self
Release Date:31/12/2004
BaadAsssss Cinema
Character:Self
Release Date:14/08/2002
Top Fighter
Character:Self
Release Date:15/06/1995
Afros, Macks & Zodiacs
Character:(archive footage)
Release Date:01/01/1995
Ultimatum
Character:Executive
Release Date:25/08/1994
Stranglehold
Character:Executive #4
Release Date:01/01/1994
Death by Misadventure: The Mysterious Life of Bruce Lee
Character:Self
Release Date:31/12/1993
One Down, Two to Go
Character:Chuck
Release Date:19/11/1982
The Tattoo Connection
Character:Lucas
Release Date:27/07/1978
Death Dimension
Character:Lt. Detective J. Ash
Release Date:01/07/1978
Mr. No Legs
Character:
Release Date:01/05/1978
Black Samurai
Character:Robert Sand
Release Date:22/12/1976
Hot Potato
Character:Jones
Release Date:09/04/1976
Take a Hard Ride
Character:Kashtok
Release Date:29/10/1975
Golden Needles
Character:Jeff
Release Date:17/07/1974
Three the Hard Way
Character:Mister Keyes
Release Date:26/06/1974
Black Belt Jones
Character:Black Belt Jones
Release Date:28/01/1974
Enter the Dragon
Character:Williams
Release Date:17/08/1973
Location: Hong Kong with Enter the Dragon
Character:Self
Release Date:01/08/1973
Melinda
Character:Charles Atkins
Release Date:06/08/1972
Television Appearances
Images
