Jim Kelly
Actor
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.
Filmography
Black Belt Jones
as Black Belt Jones 1974
Take a Hard Ride
as Kashtok 1975
Black Samurai
as Robert Sand 1976
Three the Hard Way
as Mister Keyes 1974
Death Dimension
as Lt. Detective J. Ash 1978
BaadAsssss Cinema
as Self 2002
Death by Misadventure: The Mysterious Life of Bruce Lee
as Self 1993
Mr. No Legs
1978
Hot Potato
as Jones 1976
One Down, Two to Go
as Chuck 1982
The Tattoo Connection
as Lucas 1978
Golden Needles
as Jeff 1974
Top Fighter
as Self 1995
Afro Ninja
as Cleavon Washington 2009
Stranglehold
as Executive #4 1994
Kings of Cult
as (archive footage) 2015