Jim Kelly

Died at 79

born May 5, 1946

male52 suggestions0 votes

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

Enter the Dragon

Bruce Lee: The Legend

Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror

Black Samurai

Black Belt Jones

Top Casting Suggestions

Jim Kelly has been suggested to play 52 roles. Click below to see other actors suggested for each role, and vote for who you think would play the role best.

Jim Kelly

Apollo creed

Rocky (1976 alternative cast)

Apollo creed

Jim Kelly

Eric Brooks

Marvel Knights 1978-1987

Eric Brooks

Jim Kelly

Enter The Dragon

Face Claims Sorted by Movies and Films

Enter The Dragon

Jim Kelly

Xever Montes

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Terror from Dimension X (1993)

Xever Montes

Jim Kelly

Neo

"The Matrix" (1975),

Neo

Jim Kelly

Black Panther (1970's)

Black Panther : Actor's who should have or could play T'Challa

Black Panther (1970's)

Jim Kelly

Black Panther

MCU Recast (With only late actors R.I.P.)

Black Panther

Jim Kelly

Quentin Tarantino

Actors that should have collaborated with directors and actors

Quentin Tarantino

Jim Kelly

Apollo Creed

Rocky(1976)

Apollo Creed

Jim Kelly

Preston Burke

Grey's Anatomy (1975-1995)

Preston Burke

Jim Kelly

Otis Haywood Jr

Nope (70’s)

Otis Haywood Jr

Jim Kelly

Sam Wilson

Captain America: The Winter Soldier {1974}

Sam Wilson

Jim Kelly

Hudson

Aliens (1977)

Hudson

Jim Kelly

Kuntz

Edge of Tomorrow (1978)

Kuntz

Jim Kelly

Luke Cage

70's Luke Cage movie

Luke Cage

Jim Kelly

Neo

The Matrix (1975)

Neo

Jim Kelly

Neo

The Matrix (1975)

Neo

Jim Kelly

Thomas Anderson

The Matrix (1975)

Thomas Anderson

Jim Kelly

Thomas Anderson

The Matrix Reloaded (1977)

Thomas Anderson

Jim Kelly

Bishop

X-Men: Days of Future Past (1974)

Bishop

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Jim Kelly

Known for

Related Talent

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