Jim Kelly (martial artist)

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For other persons named Jim Kelly, see Jim Kelly (disambiguation).
Jim Kelly
Born James M. Kelly
May 5, 1946 (1946-05-05) (age 62)
Paris, Kentucky
Occupation Film, television actor

James M. "Jim" Kelly (born May 5, 1946) is an American athlete, actor and martial artist who came to prominence in the early 1970s.

Contents

[edit] Biography

[edit] Early life

Kelly was born in Paris, Kentucky. He began his athletic career in high school, competing successfully in basketball, football, and track and field. He attended the University of Louisville and left during his freshman year to begin studying Shorin-ryu karate. Additionally, he received his black belt in Okinawa-te Karate under the direction of Shihan Gordon Doversola. After winning the 1971 International Middleweight Karate Championship, he opened his own martial arts school.

[edit] Acting career

As an actor, Kelly is best known for co-starring alongside Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon. This appearance led to starring roles in a string of martial arts-themed Blaxploitation films, among them Melinda and Black Belt Jones. Most of Kelly's film roles played up the (then) novelty of an African-American martial arts master. After his appearance in 1982's One Down, Two to Go, Kelly appeared in movies only rarely.

[edit] Recent activities

In 2004, he appeared with NBA star LeBron James in the Nike commercial "Chamber of Fear". Kelly resides in Southern California and works as a professional tennis coach.

[edit] Filmography

[edit] Film

[edit] Television

[edit] External links

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