Martial Artist, Actor. Born James Milton Kelly, he was a natural athlete who excelled in football, baseball and track in high school and at the University of Louisville. In 1971, he won four major martial arts championships in a row and became a star in the karate world which led to his being hired for a small role in 1973's 'Enter The Dragon' starring Bruce Lee. Among other films he appeared in were 'Black Belt Jones' (1974), 'Three the Hard Way' (1974), 'Golden Needles' (1974), 'Take a Hard Ride' (1975), 'Hot Potato' (1976), 'Black Samurai' (1977), 'The Tattoo Connection' (1978), 'Death Dimension' (1978), 'The Amazing Mr. No Legs' (1981), 'One Down, Two To Go' (1982), 'Stranglehold' (1994), 'Macked, Hammered, Slaughtered and Shafted' (2004), 'Afro Ninja Destiny' (2009) and 'Afro Ninja' (2009). Kelly, who was the second cousin of baseball star Willie Mays and a professional tennis player on the USTA Senior Men's Circuit, died of cancer.
Martial Artist, Actor. Born James Milton Kelly, he was a natural athlete who excelled in football, baseball and track in high school and at the University of Louisville. In 1971, he won four major martial arts championships in a row and became a star in the karate world which led to his being hired for a small role in 1973's 'Enter The Dragon' starring Bruce Lee. Among other films he appeared in were 'Black Belt Jones' (1974), 'Three the Hard Way' (1974), 'Golden Needles' (1974), 'Take a Hard Ride' (1975), 'Hot Potato' (1976), 'Black Samurai' (1977), 'The Tattoo Connection' (1978), 'Death Dimension' (1978), 'The Amazing Mr. No Legs' (1981), 'One Down, Two To Go' (1982), 'Stranglehold' (1994), 'Macked, Hammered, Slaughtered and Shafted' (2004), 'Afro Ninja Destiny' (2009) and 'Afro Ninja' (2009). Kelly, who was the second cousin of baseball star Willie Mays and a professional tennis player on the USTA Senior Men's Circuit, died of cancer.
Bio by: Louis du Mort
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