Personal Info
Known For:
Acting
Birthday:
May 5, 1946
Place of Birth:
Paris, Kentucky, USA
Social Media
Jim Kelly
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
Filmography
| Year | Movie | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Kings of Cult | (archive footage) |
| 2009 | Afro Ninja | Cleavon Washington |
| 2004 | Macked, Hammered, Slaughtered and Shafted | Self |
| 2002 | BaadAsssss Cinema | Self |
| 1995 | Top Fighter | Self |
| 1995 | Afros, Macks & Zodiacs | (archive footage) |
| 1994 | Stranglehold | Executive #4 |
| 1994 | Ultimatum | Executive |
| 1993 | Death by Misadventure: The Mysterious Life of Bruce Lee | Self |
| 1982 | One Down, Two to Go | Chuck |
| 1978 | Death Dimension | Lt. Detective J. Ash |
| 1978 | The Tattoo Connection | Lucas |
| 1978 | Mr. No Legs | |
| 1976 | Hot Potato | Jones |
| 1976 | Black Samurai | Robert Sand |
| 1975 | Take a Hard Ride | Kashtok |
| 1974 | Three the Hard Way | Mister Keyes |
| 1974 | Black Belt Jones | Black Belt Jones |
| 1974 | Golden Needles | Jeff |
| 1973 | Enter the Dragon | Williams |
| 1973 | Location: Hong Kong with Enter the Dragon | Self |
| 1972 | Melinda | Charles Atkins |
| Year | TV Show | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Highway to Heaven | Reporter |