Jim-Kelly-Obituary

Jim Kelly

Obituary

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Actor Jim Kelly, who played a glib American martial artist in "Enter the Dragon" with Bruce Lee, has died. He was 67.

Marilyn Dishman, Kelly's ex-wife, said he died Saturday of cancer at his home in California.

Sporting an Afro hairstyle and sideburns, Kelly made a splash with his one-liners and fight scenes in the 1973 martial arts classic. His later films included "Three the Hard Way," ''Black Belt Jones" and "Black Samurai."

During a 2010 interview with Salon.com, Kelly said he started studying martial arts in 1964 in Kentucky and later moved to California. He said the role in the Bruce Lee film came about when his agent called him. It was his second film role.

"It was one of the best experiences in my life," he told Salon.com of working on "Enter the Dragon." ''Bruce was just incredible, absolutely fantastic. I learned so much from working with him. I probably enjoyed working with Bruce more than anyone else I'd ev er worked with in movies because we were both martial artists. And he was a great, great martial artist. It was very good."


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Thank you for being authentic and knowing your ART and skills. You were an inspiration in Television to my entire family growing up in Brooklyn in the 70s.

He was the black Bruce lee in America. He was too busy looking good. REST IN POWER my brother.

I loved all of his movies 3D Highway Black Belt Jones, I didn't know he passed away 2013 but my condolence goes out to his family and friends

jim kelly was a fantastic star i loved all of his moves he was a cool brother god bless .

Thanks Jim for being the coolest black-cat in the world of martial arts. You and Bruce inspired many. James V.

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the Family's...My condolences to the Family's..

Thank You for being such a great inspiration to all of us Kung Fu dreamers of The Bruce Lee era Sir. I SALUTE YOU. REST IN HEAVEN with The Supreme Dragon and save a space for me Brother..

Sorry to hear of jim kelly's passing.always liked his style and swagger.me and a friend of mine saw him in oerson when he emceed a martial arts contest at cobo hall in detroit in the late 70's.

RIP Jim Kelly you were one of my favorite martial artist. You will be missed dearly.