Jim Kelly
Actor
67 years (May 5, 1946 – Jun 29, 2013)Paris, Kentucky, USA
Jim Kelly turns up on cast lists as an American actor, one of the faces that hold a cast together from the edges. His usual ground is action. Steady hiring, not a single breakout, built this filmography. Playing Williams in 'Enter the Dragon' put his face in front of a much larger audience. 'Bruce Lee, the Legend' is the second title that tends to come up.
Jim Kelly
Actor
Jim Kelly turns up on cast lists as an American actor, one of the faces that hold a cast together from the edges. His usual ground is action. Steady hiring, not a single breakout, built this filmography. Playing Williams in 'Enter the Dragon' put his face in front of a much larger audience. 'Bruce Lee, the Legend' is the second title that tends to come up.
14 Movies
Plays Williams
Enter the Dragon
1973
Plays Executive #4
Stranglehold
1994
Plays Cleavon Washington
Afro Ninja
2009
Plays Kashtok
Take a Hard Ride
1975
Plays Lt. Detective J. Ash
Death Dimension
1978
Plays Lucas
The Tattoo Connection
1978
Plays Black Belt Jones
Black Belt Jones
1974
Plays Jeff
Golden Needles
1974
Plays Executive
Ultimatum
1994
Plays Chuck
One Down, Two to Go
1982
Plays Charles Atkins
Melinda
1972
Plays Jones
Hot Potato
1976
Plays Mister Keyes
Three the Hard Way
1974
Plays Robert Sand
Black Samurai
1976
1 TV Shows
Latest Trailers
Watch Trailer
Afro Ninja
Full Filmography
Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jim Kelly still alive?
Jim Kelly passed away on June 29, 2013 at age 67.
What are the most famous roles of Jim Kelly?
Jim Kelly is best known for roles in Enter the Dragon, Bruce Lee, the Legend, Black Belt Jones.
How many movies has Jim Kelly been in?
Over a 41-year career (since 1972), Jim Kelly has appeared in 14 movies and 1 TV shows.
What was Jim Kelly's first movie?
The career of Jim Kelly began with Melinda (1972).
What is Jim Kelly's most recent movie or series?
Jim Kelly's most recent release is Afro Ninja, which premiered on March 17, 2009.
What TV shows has Jim Kelly appeared in?
On television, Jim Kelly has appeared in Highway to Heaven.
Jim Kelly
1946-05-05 · Paris, Kentucky, USA
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.