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Jim Kelly
Paris, Kentucky, USA
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 i…
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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.
Filmography
Movies and shows, newest first
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2015
Kings of Cult
Movie (archive footage)
-
2009
Afro Ninja
Movie Cleavon Washington
-
2004
Macked, Hammered, Slaughtered and Shafted
Movie Self
-
2002
BaadAsssss Cinema
Movie Self
-
2001
The Unbeatable Bruce Lee
Movie
-
1995
Top Fighter
Movie Self
-
1995
Afros, Macks & Zodiacs
Movie (archive footage)
-
1994
Ultimatum
Movie Executive
-
1994
Stranglehold
Movie Executive #4
- 1993
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1984
Highway to Heaven
TV show Reporter
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1984
Bruce Lee, the Legend
Movie Self
-
1982
One Down, Two to Go
Movie Chuck
-
1978
The Tattoo Connection
Movie Lucas
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1978
Death Dimension
Movie Lt. Detective J. Ash
-
1978
Mr. No Legs
Movie
More credits
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1976
Black Samurai
Movie Robert Sand
-
1976
Hot Potato
Movie Jones
-
1975
Take a Hard Ride
Movie Kashtok
-
1974
Golden Needles
Movie Jeff
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1974
Three the Hard Way
Movie Mister Keyes
-
1974
Black Belt Jones
Movie Black Belt Jones
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1973
Enter the Dragon
Movie Williams
-
1973
Location: Hong Kong with Enter the Dragon
Movie Self
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1972
Melinda
Movie Charles Atkins
