Bruce Lee
Be water, my friend
(1940–1973)As a revered martial artist, an
insightful philosopher, and a famous
filmmaker and actor, Bruce Lee became
a pop culture icon, listed by Time as
one of the most influential people of
the 20th century.
Born on November 27, 1940 in San
Francisco, Lee was raised in Hong Kong,
where he appeared in more than 20
films as a child actor, training in Wing
Chun Gung Fu under renowned master
Ip Man (prompted after he lost several
fights to rival gang members!).At 18, he returned to the US,
where he taught martial arts and
developed his own style called Jeet
Kune Do (“the art of intercepting
fist”). A star in both the East and
the West, Lee came to fame with
movies such as Fists of Fury (1971)
and Enter the Dragon (1973), in which
he mesmerised audiences with his
charisma, charm, stunning athleticism
and explosive strength. He died
suddenly on July 20, 1973, from a
brain oedema.His philosophy of self-cultivation
and harmony inspired a generation of
people seeking meaning and purpose,
and his success in Hollywood paved the
way for other Asian actors.
He kick-started a new genre of
martial arts films that would later
feature action actors such as Chuck
Norris and Jackie Chan.
The world lost an inspirational
figure, but his appeal and ethos remain
timeless, and his legacy endures to
this day. ag
IMAGE © SHUTTERSTOCKicon
Text Hastings Forman“Do not pray for an easy
life, pray for the strength
to endure a difficult one”
Bruce Lee