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Bruce Lee

A Life

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Bruce Lee

By: Matthew Polly
Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross
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Summary

The “definitive” (The New York Times) biography of film legend Bruce Lee—the martial arts icon who made kung fu a global phenomenon, shattered Hollywood stereotypes of Asian and Asian American actors, and became one of the most influential pop culture figures of the 20th century.

Forty-five years after Bruce Lee’s sudden death at just thirty-two, journalist and bestselling author Matthew Polly delivers the authoritative account of his extraordinary life and legacy. Meticulously researched over a decade and informed by more than one hundred interviews—including with Lee’s family, friends, colleagues, and the actress in whose bed he died—Bruce Lee is both sweeping and intimate.

Polly traces Lee’s evolution from Hong Kong child star to troubled teen, from charismatic martial arts teacher to trailblazing Asian American actor navigating a whitewashed Hollywood, to international superstar in Enter the Dragon, Fist of Fury, and The Big Boss. He explores Lee’s family dynamics, his struggle to break through in the US entertainment industry, his intense work ethic, and the enduring mystery surrounding his untimely death.

Dispelling myths and revealing the man behind the legend, Bruce Lee is a deeply humanizing, page-turning biography of a boundary-breaking actor, father, fighter, and icon whose cultural impact endures across generations and continents.
Combat Sports & Self-Defense Entertainment & Celebrities Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Martial Arts Celebrity Inspiring China Funny Thought-Provoking Combat Sports Marriage Sports Biography Imperial Japan
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As a follower of Bruce lee from a young age and studying of wing chun for over 9 years. This was truly a wonderful listen.

A wonderful insight into a legend

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I have been a Bruce Lee fan for a very long time and thought I knew all there was too know about the man and legend until I read this book. Wow!

My hero!

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The book is a little slow to start, establishing family history - but be patient. The ins & outs of this man's life unfold with fascinating details - its an object lesson in how sheer persistence, deep dedication and an unwillingness to compromise eventually paid off. I haven't finished it yet and no doubt there's some sadness to come - but a compelling insight into a unique individual's life - and times.

Slow Burner - But Worth It

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this really showed the many sides of Bruce Lee and It was exciting to live in his world through this book.

excellent,

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I bought this on the reviews alone and it's an utterly phenomenological read detailing so much in such a coherent way. read by someone genuinely engaged in the narrative. any interest in Bruce, just get this. you'll be pleased you did.

fantastic!

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