Actor

Jim Kelly

Acting

Career Snapshot

Explained

These indicators come from TMDB. They are relative signals, not review ratings.

Acting credits

Active

Consistent number of acting credits.

TMDB popularity

2.4

Moderate attention

TMDB internal trend index. Higher usually means more searches and page activity now.

Movies: 21Series: 1Crew credits: 1

TMDB ID: 82832

IMDb ID: nm0446485

Known for: Acting

Born: May 5, 1946

Died: June 29, 2013

Age: 67

Place of birth: Paris, Kentucky, USA

Gender: Male

Adult content flag: No

Career span: 1972 - 2015

Years active: 44

Average TMDB rating: 6.21

Wikidata: Q714870

Also known as

James Milton Kelly

Other jobs

Stunt Coordinator (1)

TMDB TMDB IMDb IMDb W Wikidata

Biography

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.