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.
Known For
Credits
- 2019 · Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror as Self (archive footage)
- 2015 · Kings of Cult as (archive footage)
- 2009 · Afro Ninja as
- 2004 · Macked, Hammered, Slaughtered and Shafted as Self
- 2004 · The 50 Worst Movies Ever Made as Black Belt Jones (archive footage)
- 2002 · BaadAsssss Cinema as Self
- 1998 · Bruce Lee: In His Own Words as Self (archive footage)
- 1995 · Top Fighter as Self
- 1995 · Afros, Macks & Zodiacs as (archive footage)
- 1994 · Ultimatum as Executive
- 1994 · Stranglehold as Executive #4
- 1993 · Death by Misadventure: The Mysterious Life of Bruce Lee as Self
- 1984 · Highway to Heaven as Reporter
- 1984 · Bruce Lee: The Legend as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
- 1982 · One Down, Two to Go as Chuck
- 1978 · The Tattoo Connection as Lucas
- 1978 · Death Dimension as Lt. Detective J. Ash
- 1978 · Mr. No Legs as
- 1976 · Black Samurai as Robert Sand
- 1976 · Hot Potato as Jones
- 1975 · Take a Hard Ride as Kashtok
- 1974 · Golden Needles as Jeff
- 1974 · Three the Hard Way as Mister Keyes
- 1974 · Black Belt Jones as Black Belt Jones
- 1973 · Enter the Dragon as Williams
- 1973 · Location: Hong Kong with Enter the Dragon as Self
- 1972 · Melinda as Charles Atkins