Bruce Lee Print

Chinese American Bruce Lee was born in San Francisco and grew up in Hong Kong. Lee founded a martial art called Jeet Kune Do, which emphasized adaptability in both combat and daily life.

Widely regarded as the most influential martial artist in history, Lee’s journey to success was not without challenges. He faced significant discrimination in Hollywood, struggling to find roles in movies because of his skin color and the shape of his eyes. Frustrated, Lee moved to Hong Kong to further his film career. There, he made three films that shattered box office records and redefined martial arts in cinema.

Hollywood took notice, and Lee went on to star in a Hollywood-Hong Kong co-production, Enter the Dragon. Tragically, he passed away in 1973 before the film’s release. The movie went on to become Hollywood's highest-grossing film of that year.

Despite facing discrimination, Bruce Lee broke barriers as one of the first Asian American martial arts instructors to open his school and teach students of all ethnicities. His legacy continues to inspire people worldwide.