Bruce Lee

The “definitive” biography of the film legend who made martial arts a global phenomenon smashed long-held stereotypes of Asians and Asian-Americans (The New York Times).

Bruce Lee was one of the most significant cultural icons of the twentieth century. His pioneering work had an enduring impact on both film and martial arts, as well as public perceptions of minorities. Following a decade of research that included more than one hundred interviews with Lee’s family, friends, business associates—and even the actress in whose bed Lee died—biographer Matthew Polly has constructed a complex, humane portrait of the legend.

Polly explores Lee’s early years as a child star in Hong Kong cinema, his actor father’s struggles with opium, and Lee’s teenage rebellion that led to him being kicked out of high school and sent to America to shape up. He also traces Lee’s evolution as a martial arts teacher, becoming personal instructor to movie stars like James Coburn and Steve McQueen; his struggles as an Asian-American actor in Hollywood; his eventual triumph as a leading man; his challenges juggling a sky-rocketing career with his duties as a father and husband; and his shocking end that to this day is still shrouded in mystery.

Polly breaks down the myths surrounding Bruce Lee, offering an honest, revealing look at an impressive yet imperfect man whose personal story was even more entertaining and inspiring than any role he played onscreen.