Bruce Lee
- Born:
- Lee Jun Fan, November 27, 1940, San Francisco, California, USA
- Died:
- July 20, 1973, Hong Kong
- Nationality:
- American and Hong Kong (Chinese)
- Profession(s):
- Martial Artist, Actor, Director, Martial Arts Instructor, Philosopher
Early Life and Education
- Born in San Francisco while his parents were on tour with the Cantonese Opera Company.
- Raised in Hong Kong.
- Began training in Wing Chun under Yip Man at age 13.
- Attended La Salle College and St. Francis Xavier's College in Hong Kong.
- Returned to the United States at age 18.
- Studied philosophy at the University of Washington.
Career and Major Achievements
- Developed Jeet Kune Do, a hybrid martial arts philosophy.
- Opened his first martial arts school, the Jun Fan Gung Fu Institute, in Seattle.
- Starred in the television series The Green Hornet (1966-1967).
- Achieved international fame with Hong Kong martial arts films.
- Directed and starred in The Way of the Dragon (1972).
- Considered one of the most influential martial artists of all time.
Notable Works
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | The Big Boss | Cheng Chao-an |
| 1972 | Fist of Fury | Chen Zhen |
| 1972 | The Way of the Dragon | Tang Lung |
| 1973 | Enter the Dragon | Lee |
| 1978 | Game of Death | Billy Lo (partially completed) |
Legacy and Impact
Bruce Lee's innovative approach to martial arts and his charismatic screen presence revolutionized the genre and inspired generations of martial artists and filmmakers. His philosophical writings on Jeet Kune Do continue to influence martial arts practitioners worldwide. Several films and documentaries have explored his life and impact, including what some consider the definitive "bruce lee biography movie 2008".