Jim Kelly

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 mens doubles in California Jim Kelly who was 62 188 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