Bruce Lee (November 27, 1940 - July 20, 1973) was a Chinese American, Hong Kong actor, martial artist, martial arts instructor, philosopher, movie director, movie producer, screenwriter, and founder of the Jeet Kune Do martial arts movement.
Bruce Lee
李小龍
Bruce Lee in 1967
Born
Lee Jun-Fan (李振藩)
November 27, 1940
San Francisco, California, United States
Cause of deathCerebral edemaOccupationActor, movie director, movie producer, screenwriter, martial arts instructor (Jeet Kune Do), philosopherYears active1941 - 1973Known forActing roles:
"Tang Lung" in Way of the Dragon
"Lee" in Enter the Dragon
"Chen Zhen" in Fist of Fury
"Kato" in The Green Hornet
Hai Tien in The Game of Death
Spouse(s)Linda Lee Cadwell (born 1945) (1964-1973)WebsiteBruce Lee Foundation
Bruce Lee official website
Lee is famous for making martial arts popular in the United States in the 1970s, when he played in a series of movies. This included the first ever martial arts movie in the United States - called Enter the Dragon. This was the most successful and famous, which was released after Bruce's death. He died in 1973 during the production of a movie called, The Game of Death. The movie was not finished, although some completed section were later released. Almost 20 years later his son, Brandon Lee would also die while making a movie. Lee also taught other people martial arts, including actors Huggo Chairres, Steve McQueen, James Coburn, and basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He inspired many other actors who are famous for using martial arts in their movies including Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Chuck Norris. Jackie Chan had a small part in 'Enter The Dragon' and Chuck Norris co-starred in Way of The Dragon.
Lee starred in five movies, including The Big Boss, Fist of Fury (also known as The Chinese Connection and The Iron Hand), The Way of the Dragon (also known as Return of the Dragon), Enter the Dragon and The Game of Death.
He is noted for his major contributions to both the Hong Kong and American movie industry during the 1970s, his martial arts movement and innovative ideas (including Jeet Kune Do), his philosophy, and his physical fitness ability. He is considered to be a cultural icon and is considered to be one of the most influential martial artists ever by social critics and other martial artists alike.
On the night of July 20, 1973, Lee aged 32, died at his home from cerebral edema, which is a buildup of fluid around the brain. This is believed to have been caused by a reaction to painkillers he was taking for a back injury.