Jim Kelly
Known For
Acting
Born
1946-05-05 in Paris, Kentucky, USA
Died
2013-06-29
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.
Most Known For
Highway to Heaven
as Reporter
Enter the Dragon
as Williams
Afro Ninja
as Cleavon Washington
Stranglehold
as Executive #4
Top Fighter
as Self
Death Dimension
as Lt. Detective J. Ash
The Tattoo Connection
as Lucas
Take a Hard Ride
as Kashtok
Three the Hard Way
as Mister Keyes
Black Belt Jones
as Black Belt Jones
One Down, Two to Go
as Chuck
BaadAsssss Cinema
as Self
Death by Misadventure: The Mysterious Life of Bruce Lee
as Self
Golden Needles
as Jeff
Hot Potato
as Jones
Mr. No Legs
Black Samurai
as Robert Sand
Kings of Cult
as (archive footage)
Ultimatum
as Executive
Melinda
as Charles Atkins