Read a biography of important events in Bruce Lee’s life using his own words taken from personal letters, press statements, and interviews.
Part 1: Kowloon, Hong Kong (1940-1959)
Part 2: Seattle, Washington (1959-1964)
Part 3: Oakland, California (1964-1966)
Part 4: Los Angeles, California (1966-1970)
Part 3: Oakland, California (1964-1966)
Lee moved from Seattle to Oakland, California and attended the University of California. He continued to focus on teaching and promoting martial arts. He eventually married and had his son Brandon.
Long Beach Tournament
Just about the time I discovered that I really didn’t want to teach self-defense for the rest of my life, I went to the Long Beach International Karate Tournament and got myself discovered by Hollywood. That was 1964.
Articles in Black Belt magazine
I’m sorry to inform you that the articles have to be delayed because I am at present on a tour demonstrating gung fu.
I’ve just got back from Los Angeles not too long ago and I’ll have to start again in San Francisco. In a week or so I’ll have to fly to New York.
However, I’ll try to find time in between to finish the articles. By the way, there should be a coverage of the last tournament at Long Beach.
Moved to Oakland
I’ve moved from Seattle to Oakland, California. It has been a few months now that I’m here and things are coming along pretty good. At the present time, I’m taking courses from the University of California. By the way, I’ll be getting a degree in philosophy.
Nowadays I indulge myself in reading and gung fu practice.
We have a nice gym built in the garage and my wooden dummy is set up. My partner has also built two other different dummies that prove to be of much use to Wing Chun form and method. We are in the process of completing some protective equipment for actual sparring without pulling punches.
Fight with Wong Jack Man
It really bugged me after the fight. It was the first time I felt something wrong with the way I was fighting. The fight took too long and I didn’t know what to do when he ran. Getting my fists bruised from punching the sonavabitch’s head was kinda stupid. I knew right then, I had to do something about my fighting.
Married life
Things are getting pretty good here in Calif. and if I have not told you that I’m married, well, I am – she is a real nice girl and is a straight “A” student. We have been married for a year something now. In fact, we are going to have a baby soon.
I’m in the process of completing a much thorough book on the Tao of Gung Fu. The book will contain my insight during these past five years, I’ve worked hard on it.
A son is born
Our Baby’s here.
Name: Brandon B. Lee
Date: Feb. 1, 1965
Weight: Eight lbs., eleven oz.
Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Lee
A big healthy boy of course!
New system of martial arts
My mind is made up to start a system of my own – I mean a system of totality, embracing all but yet guided with simplicity. It will concentrate on the root of things – rhythm, timing, distance – and embrace the five ways of attack. This is by far the most effective method I’ve encountered or will encounter.
Lately, I’ve been working on my book and it is nearly finished except for the photo taking.
Linda sends her regards. Brandon is growing and growing.
Death of father
Linda,
I’m most comforted to receive your letter, especially at a time like this. The whole family is in a state of confusion.
The burial took place yesterday at 4 PM and tomorrow we’ll go visit the tomb. The service was a cross between Chinese custom and Catholic regulation; the whole deal was one mess of conflict, which I’ll tell you when I see you.
Return to Oakland
Linda,
The family is now calming down a lot, but there are as yet a lot of things to be done.
Most likely I am coming back somewhere March 8 in as much as I like to be with you and Brandon. I’ll be flying in to Seattle and together we’ll fly back to Oakland.
Family visit to Hong Kong
Here I am, writing once more from Hong Kong. Linda and I have been here for around three days now and she likes every bit of it, except the growing heat. She never had it so good – you know, servants and what not.
I plan to stay here for around three months and, as soon as 20th Century Fox writes me I have to go back to the Hollywood studio for either some more tests or the pilot. As you’ve probably known I’ve signed a contract with the agent, Belasco, who, by the way, is also agent for Nick Adams and many others.
20th Century Fox deal
I’ll be here till 20th Century Fox notifies me to return for the actual shooting, which will be another two more months I think. Although a contract has been proposed, the whole deal is not 100%, however, it is 70% that it will succeed. At least that’s what my agent told me.
In the meantime I’ve been teaching my brothers and some friends gung fu at my house. They are very enthused over the whole deal. I, too, am working on my transformation of simplicity to yet another more free-flowing movements of no limit limitation.
Book on Wing Chun
By the way, we’ve finished the shooting of the whole set of sil lum tao and many other, demonstrated by my sifu Yip Man. Over 130 photos have been taken and when we’re through there will be way over 200. These pictures will prove to be valuable when my book comes out as never before the Wing Chun master, sifu Yip Man ever been on photograph. He is 66 now, I think, and years after that these photos will be the only set.
Hollywood
Linda and I will be coming down to Oakland to stay for around a month before either going to Hollywood or Hong Kong. The 20th Century Fox deal is 85%. If that doesn’t come out I have two contracts waiting in Hong Kong.
Part 4: Los Angeles, California (1966-1970)
Lee and his family move to Los Angeles because he had a starring role in the television series Green Hornet. After the show ended, he received parts in other shows and started to develop other projects.
Green Hornet
I’m sorry that I couldn’t teach you as we planned because there is a slight change in the 20th Century Fox deal. Probably James Lee has told you about it; at any rate, “The Green Hornet” is going to be on the air this coming September.
‘The Green Hornet’ will start shooting at the end of May and I’ll be busy like hell but the first chance I have, I’d like to take a trip to Oakland and we should go out to dinner.
Drama Coach
It may be a surprise but instead of writing you from Hong Kong, I am writing from Los Angeles. You see, “Batman” is such a hit (though I kind of think it silly) that “The Green Hornet” is sold without a pilot and script! In other words, the series will definitely be out this coming season, which is this coming September.
At present 20th Century Fox is sending me to drama school – the drama coach is Jeff Corey, the best here in Hollywood – at $70 an hour (if I were to pay, I’ll tell them I’ve got it!). The lessons (three times a week) doing me a lot of good and more fluid with not-acting acting – a most difficult way to achieve unnatural naturalness. At any rate, we are to start shooting on the 23rd of May.
I’ll be playing Kato (doesn’t sound like a Chinaman, does it), the right hand man of the Green Hornet. Instead of carrying all kinds of weapons, this fellow is to gung fu all his opponents…
At present, besides taking acting lessons, I’m giving private lessons in gung fu (actually will start the end of this month). Among my prospective students are Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Vic Damone, Tommy Sands…
It won’t be bad. At least I’ll be having pocket money (at $25 an hour) till the shooting two months away. It will be a lot of fun and this job will take care of raising a family. Finiancially wise, this job is most satisfying.
Cool Apartment
Everything is running smoothly here in L.A. If I didn’t tell you, the date has set for the shooting (though as of now there isn’t a Green Hornet); it will be on the 23rd of next month.
By the way, I’ll be moving to another really “cool” apartment, the Barrington Plaza – a 27 stories high luxury tower with doormen and attendant parking, laundry & dry cleaning valet service, Olympic-size pool, all-wool carpeting, all electric kitchen (dishwasher, built-in range and oven, etc.), electronic huge elevators – I’ll be living on the 2rd storey (the higher, the more expensive) and I’m telling you you it’s something else.
However, do not think for a moment that I’ll pay $300 a months for this apartment (that’s how much it actually costs); you see the half owner of the apartment wishes to take gung fu from me and I got a damn good deal on it.
By the way, Batman and Robin also live there. So for two hours private lesson for the owner, I only pay for half the rent.
I’ve been busy like hell with acting lessons and gung fu lessons (the same stuff I teach in the group class – nothing spectacular) and tonight I’m invited to attend an Academy Award dinner party in Hollywood. Nick Adams (a black belt, supposedly), Sal Mineo, etc. will be there.
Busy Schedule
The show is re-scheduled to be shot on the 1st of June, and the first premier show is on the 9th of September. Right now I’m busy like heck for interviews and publicity pictures, etc., etc. I might be flying in to New York for a press interview in a week or two. Movie Screen magazine will come to our apartment and do a story this Friday.
Acting Experience
Since the first episode, I’ve gained actual experience. I’ve learned to be “simply human” without unnecessary striving. I believe in Kato and am truthfully justifying the physical action economically.
Actually, what I like to express here is regarding the relationship between the Green Hornet and Kato. True that Kato is a house boy of Britt, but as the crime fighter, Kato is an “active partner” of the Green Hornet and not a “mute follower.”
Bad Ratings
The show is doing bad, rating wise. Dozier is trying to make it go by changing it into an hour show. Whether or not we can change it remains to be seen. For our sake, we better.
Next week I’m doing a pictorial layout of gung fu in color in the Dodger Stadium for TV Guide. You know, whether or not this show will go, the show will last at least till March. So gung fu will have enough exposure and so Kato, Bruce Lee.
The schools will definitely go. I’ll discuss with you in more detail. I’m preparing for it.
Batman
I’ve been shooting “Batman” these few days and busy like hell. I believe I should be able to find time to show your boy and his friends around the studio this coming Friday.
Traveling
I’ll be going to New York on the 1st of May, then to Washington, DC for an appearance. After that I’ll go to Seattle for two days and will stop by Oakland for a day before returning home.
It will propbably be on May 10 that I’ll stop by Oakland, at that time let’s get together and have a gun fu session.
The latest is that Greenway Productions will most likely pick up my contract – a one hour series is in the planning.
All-American Open Karate Championship
I’m coming to Oakland this coming Monday night around 9:30 PM. I’ll probably give you a call.
I’ll stay till Thursday afternoon and then will take off to New York for an appearance at the All American Open Karate Championship. I’ll stay there for four days then I’ll go to Seattle for a few days and then will come back to Oakland for a few days before I’ll take off for Springfield, Mass. for another appearance.
Ironside
It’s 11:30 PM and I’m at a motel in Agawam, Mass. a full page ad of me in the newspaper which I’ve included in this letter. By the way, I won’t be stopping by New York, and dig this, Gene, Belasco’s associate called, and I’m having an interview at Universal studios on July 5 (Wed. for a good part in “Ironside” starring Raymond Burr). So I feel pretty good about this as this might lead to something nice faster.
Just called you on the phone and I’m sure you’re glad to hear of the success of my interview. Thought it’s only $750 for 3 days work, I hope it will open some doors after that.
Working on book
George,
I’ll be working on my book once again now that I’m settled down and those photos you were in look great.
Moving
Finally moved but still unpacking and a lot of rearranging. It’s a hell of a job but I must take time out to once more thank you for that magnificent job you did on that finger jab equipment.
Hawaii 5-O
Upon my arrival, my agent called to let me know of CBS’ proposal for a one hour serial – kind of like “I Spy” called “Hawaii 5-O” Looks good. I’ll let you know what develops.
1968 Resolution
I’ve started the training on Christmas eve – my 1968 resolution. I now train an average of two-and-a-half hours a day, including hand exercises, leg exercises, running, isometrics, stomach exercises, sparring exercises, free-hand exercises. Your training equipment all helps in my program.
Silent Flute movie
Steve McQueen, after he completes his movie in Frisco, will get a writer and start on a gung fu movie with him and I in it. So this is a start toward a movie.
On April 6 I probably will come up because there is a so called “National Gung Fu Exhibition,” held in Frisco – a bunch of jerks will be in there, including the “runner.” I will show up to scare hell out of them.
Moving to Bel-Air
I’ll be leaving for Mississippi with Steve. The project on jeet kune do as a movie is taking another step Stirling Siliphant (In the Heat of the Night) is involved to write the script. We will be getting together and roll. After that I will be flying to New York for a few days.
Of course in the midst of all this I’m moving too. As of next Monday my address will be:
2551 Roscomare Rd.
Los Angeles, California 90024
It’s a pretty “cool” house, located inside Bel-Air. As soon as I have the phone in, I’ll let you know.
Reflection on Martial Arts
It has been nearly ten years now since I’ve been in the States. During the last ten years, Chinese martial art has always been a major part of my activity, though I am now in a new field, the field of acting. My achievement in the martial art is the most satisfying and the word “Chinese” has come a long way in the circle of martial art due to the fact that all three of the U.S. karate free-style champs are studying under me.
So my line of training is more toward efficient street fighting with everything goes, wearing head gear, gloves, chest guard, skin/knee guards, etc. For the past five years now I’ve been training the hardest and for a purpose, not just dissipated hit-miss training. I’m running every day, sometimes up to six miles.
I’ve named my style jeet Kune do – reason for my not sticking to Wing Chun because I sincerely feel that this style has more to offer regarding efficiency. I mentioned all of the above because it is a major event in my life and like to fill you in with it.
I’v been doing good too in the field of acting. I don’t know whether or not you’ve seen my TV series the “Green Hornet” in Australia, but I’ve worked for a year in it, setting up a good foundation. Occasionally I appear on TV and movies. The latest one is an MGM production Little Sister with James Garner that should be coming out in a few months. I’m in the process of forming a production company with a few important backers here in the States, concentrating on producing martial art movies, TV series, etc.
I’ve just bought a half acre home in Bel-Air – like living out in the country, but tough on the calves running around the hill side.
Four year old son
You remembered correctly, I have a 4-year old son and one expected this coming April. I am truly a lucky man to have a wonderful wife and a most harmonious family.
Project Leng
We had a meeting on Project “Leng” last Friday, Coburn, Stirling, and I. Project “Leng” is a code name for our martial art motion picture. Leng is a Chinese work meaning beautiful. Anyway, there is a big breakthrough.
I might go on that publicity tour for MGM yet, though they are not too happy with the money I asked.
Martial Arts Teacher
Karate, judo, aikido, I teach them all. I charge my students $500 for a 10 lesson course. But it takes a man at least 18 months to become proficient at it.
Film production company
Now I have bought a house in Bel-Air. It is about half an acre. There are many trees. It has the taste of a range. It is located on a hill top near Beverly Hills. Moreover, besides my son Brandon, I have had a daughter, Shanon, who is seven months old.
Recently, I have organized a film production company. I have also written a story The Silent Flute.” James Coburn and I will act in it. Stirling Silliphant is the screen play writer. He is a famous screen play writer (In the Heat of the Night). We plan to make the first martial arts film in Hollywood. The prospect is good. About six months from now, the filming work will begin. All who participate in this film are my students. In the future, Steve McQueen may also work together with me. I am very excited about this plan.
As to martial art, I still practice daily. I teach my students and friends twice a week. It doesn’t matter if they are Western boxers, tae kwon do practitioners or wrestlers, I will teach them as long as they are friendly and will not get up tight.
On Closing My Schools
I was teaching martial arts in the United States. I had three schools; one in Oakland, one in Seattle, and one in Los Angeles. And then later on I just closed them, you know, and just taught private lessons. I do not believe in schools.
I’ve disbanded all the schools of jeet kune do because it is very easy for a member to come in and take the agenda as “the truth” and the schedule as “the Way.”
Silent Flute in 1972
By the way, I’m doing a film The Silent Flute for Warner Bro. this fall in India. The picture is based on martial art and will be released in ’72. You should enjoy it. I wrote the original story. The screenplay is a joint effort, headed by Stirling Silliphant (In the Heat of the Night), a most able screen writer here in Hollywood.
Trip to Switzerland
First of all, the journey was very tiring. Switzerland is indeed quite different from the States, and Gstaad is THE RESORT for THE very rich. I have yet met on person that does not have a couple of houses, or chalets as they call them. Of course I went skiing today with Roman and that I had a few falls, everybody thought I adapted to it great. Anyway, all in all, it has been not quite as enjoyable though an experience being in Europe.
Bruce and son travel to Hong Kong
Linda,
I’m recognized everywhere as Lee Shiu Loong, “Kato,” especially with my clothing and Brandon.
Also, everyone is asking for favors nowadays, getting them into U.S. show business or getting over to the States, or appearing on shows.
Television Show in Hong Kong
Linda,
We have just returned from the amusement park and Brandon Lee had a wonderful, wonderful time. He is enjoying himself tremendously and aside from forcing him to eat something, he has been a very good boy and everyone here loves him. I have devoted time for him daily, and he follows my mother “willingly.”
I’ll be appearing on two or three TV shows here in H.K. starting next week. Everyone here looks up to me. I also enjoy my stay here as I have the opportunity to talk to my friends (Mr. Tse, Mr. Ng, etc.) during the daily tea time.
Back Injury
Would have waited but my back is bothering me again for these last few days. Hope you don’t have to work after next month.
Hong Kong movie
I’m filming in America at present and it’s going well. The reason I was very well received that last time that I was in Hong Kong is because I have a deep understanding of action films as a result of
1. what I’ve leared from the American film industry and
2. my understanding of martial art.
Therefore, I have thought about returning to Hong Kong to make a movie. I’m very enthused but, unfortunately, I’ve been used. I know if I go to make movies, I will be successful. Unfortunately, up to this point, all of the invitations to do so have been:
1) Manufactured gossip
2) Empty Promises
3) Deceptions, etc.
India
I’m writing in a car with Stirling and Jim going through India – we will be sitting around 16 hours in Caro, and plus all the sitting on the plane, it’s pretty rough on my back. However, I usually get over the “nagging” over ight.
Anyway, it’s quite an experience for me. I wish you will be able to join me during shooting, and it looks like a pretty definite thing.
Back Injury continues
Silent Flute is moving along fine. We ran into some problems in location, but we should know real soon on the official date.
Due to my back, I have to say I am not in my best of shape; however, my JKD is something else – with adversity you are shocked to higher levels, much like a rain storm that is so violent, but yet afterwards all plant grows. More and more I pity the martial arts that are blinded by their partiality and ignorance.
Television series project
Greetings from Los Angeles where, like many places in the States, business is not too good.
Since the India trip my back is so-so. Silent Flute is still on with Warner Bros. We are waiting to hear the next step, and should know within ten days – approval of new budget, setting up another survey trip, etc. Aside from Silent Flute, I will do a guest appearance on a new TV series “Longstreet” for next season. Then there is another movie that I will do (one of the three leading characters) should the presentation be approved, and that we should know within ten days or so, too.
Of course the damn thing is I want to do something now! So I have created a TV series idea and I should know within a couple of weeks. In the meantime, I am working on another idea for a movide to do in Hong Kong (Chinese movie). So action! Action!
Longstreet
I’ll be doing a TV show the end of this month. The show is called “Longstreet,” a new TV series for this coming fall. The episode I’ll be in is titled “The Way of the Intercepting Fist.”
Nothing new developed with Silent Flute – it’s a matter of time. Am in the process of creating a new TV series based on martial art, hope it will turn out – will let you know.
I’ll be on the cover of the next issue of Black Belt. Read it, you might find it interesting.
Going to Hong Kong
Just want to let you know I’ll be very busy for the next four weeks, with rehearsing and shooting of the TV show “Longstreet.” Immediately after that I’ll be off to Hong Kong for four months where I’ll be making two movies.
The Big Boss
Finished shooting “Longstreet” – be sure to watch it in Sept. I did a good job on it.
In fact, Tom Tannenbaum, head of Paramount’s TV department, has just contacted me for a development of a TV series for me. Also, he wants me to be a recurring character in Paramount’s “Longstreet.” This happens so fast I don’t know what to think – must have done a good job!?
Am leaving for H.K. this Sunday Morning to do two features – The Big Boss, King of Chinese Boxers (can you believe this!!) – will be there for 4 months.
When I come back I’ll be busy, with the possible shooting of the Silent Flute, a movie (with Fred Weintraub) and the TV series we will be working with Paramount during my 4 months stay in Hong Kong – have to create a super martial art flick.
Have to prepare a lot of stuff – only two more days before I leave – well, what more can i say but that things are swinging my way.
Resources:
Letters of the Dragon: The Original 1958-1973 Correspondence, John Little, Editor, Tuttle Publishing, 1998, 2016. Volume 5 of the Bruce Lee Library, commissioned by the Bruce Lee Estate. Letters to friends, family, and business associates. Put together by John Little, Bruce Lee historian.
Jeet Kune Do: A Comprehensive Guide to Bruce Lee’s Martial Way, John Little, Editor, Tuttle Publishing, 1997, 2020. Volume 3 of the Bruce Lee Library. Excellent and detailed description of Bruce Lee’s martial art before he passed. Put together by John Little, Bruce Lee historian.
Words of the Dragon: Interviews, 1958-1973, John Little, Editor, Tuttle Publishing, 1997, 2017. Volume 1 of the Bruce Lee Library, commissioned by the Bruce Lee Estate. Interview transcripts of Bruce Lee on a variety of topics including philosophy, martial arts, and his personal life. Put together by John Little, Bruce Lee historian.
The life and tragic death of Bruce Lee, aka The Man Only I Knew, Linda Lee Caldwell, Author, Star Books Publisher, 1975. Biography written by Bruce Lee’s wife. It is rare and more expensive than others.
Bruce Lee: A Life, Matthew Polly, Author, Simon & Schuster Publishing, 2019. Highly rated biography of Bruce Lee.
Seattle NCGF website.
James Yimm Lee, Wikipedia.
U.S. Flag Icon, dcwareproducts.com.
Water Icon, iconfinder.com.
Switzerland Flag Icon, Flaticon.com.
India flag Icon, Flaticon.com.
Thailand flag icon, Flaticon.com.
AI Narration provided by elevenlabs.io. Bruce Lee quotes read by AI.
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