In Seattle he enrolls at the University of Washington, and he met Linda Emery, but does not get a BA and MA in philosophy,"as Senior Scholastic once misinformedit student readers. In fact, according to a former secretary in the U of W philosophy department, he was a poor student who drops out. He was, however , ringleader of many bull sessions and publishes his first book, Chinese Gung Fu, The Philosophical Arts of Self Defense. At 1964 in the summer Bruce and Linda moves to Oakland and opens a Kung Fu school after marrying, Linda despite her parents' and protests."Iwant to marry your daughter. We're leaving on Monday. I'm Chinese, by the way!!
Soon after opening school, challenged by Wong Jock Man from San Francisco. Though Bruce wins fight, his annoyed at how long it takes and re-examines approach to martial arts. Long Beach Ed Parkier's Invitationals, gives Kung fu exhibition filmed by Jay Sebring, the hair stylist for Batman producer William Dozier and Sharon Tate (whom Sebring is later murdered by the Mansons). Sebring shows film to Dozier, who is looking to fill apart in TV pilot, Number One Son. The show never airs.in 1964.
At Los Angeles in 1965 Dozier pays Bruce $1800 retainer to wait a year for The Green Hornet to begin. Brandon Lee born and soon becomes, according to his mother "The Number One spoiled child you've ever come across."September in 1966 Bruce debuts in The Green Hornet as Hornet's (literal) sidekick, Kato. Receives ton on fanmail and teen zine coverage but show cancelled after 1st season. In L.A. in 1967 Fred Weintraub to develop the TV show Kung fu. Role is perfect for Bruce but given to David Carradine. Does cameos in Matt Helm, and Ironside and trains other actors at $250 an hour: " All of them would come and say " Hey man, how do you do that?" Students include Steve McQueen, James Coburn, Kareem Jabbar and screenwriter Sterling " Shaft in Africa" Silliphant, who helps Bruce with script idea.
Beginning formulating philosophy L.A. 1968 of Jeet Kune Do, or "Way of the Inter rupting Fist." Instead of blocking and then hitting in one motion.Silliphant writes hour pilot for Longstreet, a crime drama about a blind private dick. Reviews of the piloting (described by Silliphant as an hour lesson in Jeet Kune Do) are mixed but concede that Bruce is a highlight. McQueen and Coburn helped land him occasional bits but racism and his abrasive personality hold Bruce back. Bides time by driving his Porsche on Mullholland with McQueen.
| Childhood | Teen | Achievement | Movies | Family | Awards |