Died at 80
male
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.
Ah, the 70s, the rise in popularity of martial arts and horror films, introduction of Star Wars, introduction of hip-hop, etc. Also, introduction of godlike characters (New Gods and Eternals), martial artists (Shang-Chi, Richard Dragon, Iron Fist), horror-themed characters (Ghost Rider and Etrigan the Demon), gunslinging antiheroes (Punisher and Judge Dredd), Wolverine, African-American superheroes (Luke Cage and Black Lightning), and new X-Men. To be honest, I only made this so I can make a soundtrack for this. Rule 1: All characters and songs must have debuted by 1979. Rule 2: Pick a picture from the 1970s for the characters and actors.
