JK
Jim Kelly
Actor
Born May 5, 1946Died June 29, 2013 (67 years)
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.
Movies & Shows on Plex
Filmography
| 2023 | Enter the Clones of Bruce · as Black Belt Jones |
| 2019 | |
| 2015 | Kings of Cult · as (archive Footage) |
| 2013 | Birth of the Living Dead · as Black Belt Jones |
| 2012 | Trailer War · as Cast |
| 2009 | Afro Ninja · as Cleavon Washington |
| 2004 | The 50 Worst Movies Ever Made · as Black Belt Jones (archive Footage) |
| 1994 | Stranglehold · as Executive #4 |
| 1992 | Bruce Lee and Kung Fu Mania · as Cast |
| 1984 | Highway to Heaven (TV Series) · as Reporter |
| 1982 | One Down, Two to go · as Chuck |
| 1978 | The Tattoo Connection · as Lucas |
| 1978 | Death Dimension · as Lt. Detective J. Ash |
| 1978 | |
| 1976 | Black Samurai · as Robert Sand |
| 1976 | Hot Potato · as Jones |
| 1975 | Take a Hard Ride · as Kashtok |
| 1974 | Golden Needles · as Jeff |
| 1974 | Three the Hard Way · as Mister Keyes |
| 1974 | Black Belt Jones · as Black Belt Jones |
| 1973 | Enter the Dragon · as Williams |
| 1972 | Melinda · as Charles Atkins |