The dominant figure in martial arts related entertainment in modern culture, and one of the most enduring pop icons of the twentieth century, Bruce Lee was an actor, director, and instructor whose films and philosophy popularized martial arts in both Western and Eastern cultures in the late 1960s and into the early 1970s. Though as a mature performer, he made only a handful of films between 1971 and 1973, his graceful yet lethal screen presence was so magnetic – and such a source of pride for Asian audiences – that his influence continued to eclipse subsequent martial arts superstars like
Moved to Hong Kong as a child; acted in a number of films there in the late 1940s and early 50s
1958
Won a cha-cha dancing contest in Hong Kong at age 18 (date approximate)
Returned to the US; attended college and lectured at Washington (state) high schools on the subject of Oriental philosophies; later opened "gung fu" (a.k.a. Kung fu) studio; students included James Coburn and Lou Al Cinder (later Kareem Abdul-Jabaar)
1966
Co-starred as Kato, manservant and crime-fighting sidekick on the ABC action series, "The Green Hornet"
1969
Played a supporting role in the Hollywood feature, "Marlowe", starring James Garner
