Bruce Lee, born Lee Jun Fan on November 27, 1940, in San Francisco in both the hour and year of the Dragon (hence his nickname Little Dragon Lee), was a trailblazing actor, director, and a martial arts Chinese American expert known for his iconic roles in films such as ''Fist of Fury'' and ''Enter the Dragon.'' Raised in Hong Kong where his parents moved back when Lee was 4 months old, his early exposure to acting began as a child actor in the Hong Kong film industry.
Despite facing challenges in Hong Kong during his teenage years, including joining a street gang, Lee found solace and discipline in Kung Fu under Master Yip Man's tutelage. Transitioning to the United States in 1959, Lee continued to pursue his passion for martial arts, teaching and establishing his own schools while attending the University of Washington.
Through his innovative martial arts style, Jeet Kune Do, or way of the intercepting fist, Lee gained recognition as an instructor who deeply cared about his students. Lee's breakthrough came with his role as Kato in the TV series ''The Green Hornet,'' showcasing his acrobatic fighting style.
Confronted with a shortage of interesting roles and the prevalence of stereotypes regarding Asian performers in Hollywood, Lee left Los Angeles for Hong Kong in the summer of 1971. His family eventually joined him. In Hong Kong, the actor promptly signed a two-movie contract (''The Big Boss'' and ''Fist of Fury'') which helped him further solidify his status as a martial arts icon by setting new box-office records in Hong Kong. His directorial debut, ''Return of the Dragon,'' and the groundbreaking ''Enter the Dragon'' marked Lee's ascent to global stardom. In 1972, young fighter Chuck Norris stars as Colt in the movie ''The Way of the Dragon,'' who faces Bruce Lee again in a memorable and epic fight in Roma Colosseum.
''Enter the Dragon,'' with its modest budget, grossed over $2 billion worldwide, influencing future action movies and earning a place in the US National Film Registry. Lee's final project, ''Game of Death,'' released posthumously in 1978, showcased his unparalleled skill in a memorable fight scene with NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Despite his untimely death on July 20, 1973, at the age of 32 from a cerebral edema, Lee's legacy endures. His impact on Hollywood paved the way for broader representation of Asian Americans in cinema and redefined the action hero archetype.
Controversy surrounding Lee's death, including theories of foul play or curses, has not overshadowed his enduring legacy. Bruce Lee remains an immortal figure, revered as both a cinematic icon and a pioneering martial artist whose influence resonates in popular culture to this day.