Jim Kelly
Known for Acting · 25 credits
- Born
- 1946-05-05
- Died
- 2013-06-29
- Place of birth
- Paris, Kentucky, USA
- Also known as
- James Milton Kelly
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.
Known For
TV Shows (1)
Movies (24)
Enter the Dragon
1973
as Williams
BaadAsssss Cinema
2002
as Self
Bruce Lee, the Legend
1984
as Self
The Tattoo Connection
1978
as Lucas
Three the Hard Way
1974
as Mister Keyes
Golden Needles
1974
as Jeff
Black Belt Jones
1974
as Black Belt Jones
Top Fighter
1995
as Self
Black Samurai
1976
as Robert Sand
Take a Hard Ride
1975
as Kashtok
Death Dimension
1978
as Lt. Detective J. Ash
The Unbeatable Bruce Lee
2001
Melinda
1972
as Charles Atkins
Hot Potato
1976
as Jones
Afro Ninja
2009
as Cleavon Washington
Location: Hong Kong with Enter the Dragon
1973
as Self
Mr. No Legs
1978
Macked, Hammered, Slaughtered and Shafted
2004
as Self
Death by Misadventure: The Mysterious Life of Bruce Lee
1993
as Self
Stranglehold
1994
as Executive #4
One Down, Two to Go
1982
as Chuck
Ultimatum
1994
as Executive
Kings of Cult
2015
as (archive footage)
Afros, Macks & Zodiacs
1995
as (archive footage)
About 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, leadi… With 25 credits spanning from 1972 to 2015, Jim Kelly has appeared in 24 films and 1 TV show.
Fans searching for Jim Kelly movies, Jim Kelly filmography, or the latest projects starring Jim Kelly can stream many of these titles on Bowood.TV, free and in HD, with no subscription required.
Most Popular Jim Kelly Movies
- Enter the Dragon (1973) — as Williams
- BaadAsssss Cinema (2002) — as Self
- Bruce Lee, the Legend (1984) — as Self
- The Tattoo Connection (1978) — as Lucas
- Three the Hard Way (1974) — as Mister Keyes
Where to Watch Jim Kelly Films
Most Jim Kelly movies and series are available to stream on Bowood.TV in full HD, completely free and without signup. Browse the complete filmography above to jump directly to any title. For more films and the latest web series featuring Jim Kelly, check our movies catalogue and browse page.