Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee (November 27, 1940 – July 20, 1973), was a Chinese American martial artist and actor who is widely regarded as among the most influential martial artists of the 20th century. Lee's few movies, especially his performance in the Hollywood-produced Enter the Dragon, elevated the traditional Hong Kong martial arts film to a new level of popularity, paving the way for future martial artists actors such as Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Chuck Norris.

Acting career

Due to his father's entertainment industry connections, Lee was a child actor in several 1950s Hong Kong movies.

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After graduating from the University of Washington, Lee went on to star as Kato in the TV series The Green Hornet, which ran from 1966 to 1967 and afterward opened up his own Jeet Kune Do school.

Related Topics:
Kato - TV series - The Green Hornet - 1966 - 1967 - Jeet Kune Do - School

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In 1971, unable to find acting roles and faced with stereotypes regarding Asian actors, Lee returned to Hong Kong with his family. There, he starred in martial arts movies, earning $30,000 for his first two feature films and cementing his fame.

Related Topics:
Stereotypes - Asian

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Yuen Wah, a member of the Seven Little Fortunes, and later to become a well known actor in his own right (notably starring in 2005's Kung Fu Hustle), was Lee's stunt double in Lee's last few films.

Related Topics:
Yuen Wah - Seven Little Fortunes - 2005 - Kung Fu Hustle

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The Karate black belt, and actor, Chuck Norris was introduced, portraying one of Lee's enemies in Return of the Dragon.

Related Topics:
Karate - Chuck Norris - Return of the Dragon

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