Jim Kelly
Born
May 5, 1946
Died
June 29, 2013 (67 years old)
Known For
Acting
Place of Birth
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 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

Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror
Self (archive footage)
2019

Kings of Cult
(archive footage)
2015

Afro Ninja
2009

Macked, Hammered, Slaughtered and Shafted
Self
2004

The 50 Worst Movies Ever Made
Black Belt Jones (archive footage)
2004

BaadAsssss Cinema
Self
2002

Bruce Lee: In His Own Words
Self (archive footage)
1998

Top Fighter
Self
1995
Afros, Macks & Zodiacs
(archive footage)
1995

Ultimatum
Executive
1994

Stranglehold
Executive #4
1994

Death by Misadventure: The Mysterious Life of Bruce Lee
Self
1993

Highway to Heaven
Reporter · (1 episode)
1984

Bruce Lee: The Legend
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
1984

One Down, Two to Go
Chuck
1982

The Tattoo Connection
Lucas
1978

Death Dimension
Lt. Detective J. Ash
1978

Mr. No Legs
1978

Black Samurai
Robert Sand
1976

Hot Potato
Jones
1976

Take a Hard Ride
Kashtok
1975

Golden Needles
Jeff
1974

Three the Hard Way
Mister Keyes
1974

Black Belt Jones
Black Belt Jones
1974

Enter the Dragon
Williams
1973

Location: Hong Kong with Enter the Dragon
Self
1973

Melinda
Charles Atkins
1972