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