Jim Kelly
Known For
Acting
Gender
Male
Birthday
May 5, 1946 (80 years old)
Place of Birth
Paris, Kentucky, USA
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.
Known For
| 2015 | Kings of Cult(archive footage) | |
| 2009 | Afro NinjaCleavon Washington | |
| 2004 | Macked, Hammered, Slaughtered and ShaftedSelf | |
| 2002 | BaadAsssss CinemaSelf | |
| 2001 | The Unbeatable Bruce Lee | |
| 1995 | Top FighterSelf | |
| 1995 | Afros, Macks & Zodiacs(archive footage) | |
| 1994 | StrangleholdExecutive #4 | |
| 1994 | UltimatumExecutive | |
| 1993 | Death by Misadventure: The Mysterious Life of Bruce LeeSelf | |
| 1984 | Bruce Lee, the LegendSelf | |
| 1984 | Highway to HeavenReporter | |
| 1982 | One Down, Two to GoChuck | |
| 1978 | Death DimensionLt. Detective J. Ash | |
| 1978 | The Tattoo ConnectionLucas | |
| 1978 | Mr. No Legs | |
| 1976 | Hot PotatoJones | |
| 1976 | Black SamuraiRobert Sand | |
| 1975 | Take a Hard RideKashtok | |
| 1974 | Three the Hard WayMister Keyes | |
| 1974 | Black Belt JonesBlack Belt Jones | |
| 1974 | Golden NeedlesJeff | |
| 1973 | Enter the DragonWilliams | |
| 1973 | Location: Hong Kong with Enter the DragonSelf | |
| 1972 | MelindaCharles Atkins |
| 1976 | Black SamuraiStunt Coordinator |














