This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2021
Bruce Lee’s influence on martial arts films transcended his tragically short career, and he remains an indelible force whose mark can be seen on countless modern action movies. Lee parlayed his fame as an international karate champ into becoming a pop icon as Kato on TV’s Green Lantern. Lee used his TV credentials to create an influential series of martial arts movies in Hong Kong and later, Hollywood. His short but creatively prolific career produced the classics Fist of Fury, Way of the Dragon, and Big Boss. Tragically, Lee passed away on July 20, 1973, at the young age of 32. This iconic publicity photo was taken on the set of his final masterpiece, Enter the Dragon, which would be posthumously released in 1973. As is immediately clear at first glance, this emotive action shot is one of the most reproduced and iconic photos ever taken of the martial arts star. And, since it was snapped during the filming of Enter the Dragon, it is unfortunately one of his last. The reverse has been stamped with several newspaper and date stamps beginning in August 1973, right after Lee’s premature death. Various publication notes are written in different hands along with a large, indifferent stamp reading “DECEASED.” The front image measures 7-1/2" X 8" and shows surface creasing around some of the edges as well as surface chippings. None of these conditions take away from the beauty or integrity of the image. This important and much sought after photo has been encapsulated and graded a Type 1 Authentic by PSA/DNA.