Jim Kelly
Birthday: 1946-05-05 | Place of Birth: Paris, Kentucky, USAJames 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
Acting
Role
as (archive footage)
as Cleavon Washington
as Self
as (archive footage)
as Self
as Executive
as Chuck
as Lt. Detective J. Ash
as Lucas
as Jones
as Robert Sand
as Kashtok
as Black Belt Jones
as Jeff
as Mister Keyes
as Williams
as Charles Atkins
