Back in time, before and even during my filming career, Asian actors were not looked well upon. An example of this was that I did not get a starting role i the TV series "Kung Fu." David Carradine, a white male, was chosen as the star instead of me. I was slated for the starting role first, but I was thrown aside due to the executives believing that an Asian actor wouldn't pull in audiences. Because I was confronted with stereotypes regarding Asian performers I moved from Los Angeles to Hong Kong and began my movie career there. I became famous in Hong Kong for my athleticism and high-energy theatrics. My fame in the United States began with the movie that marked by death, "Enter the Dragon." That movie had a budget of $1 million and went on to gross $200 million. Although my life had ended, I had begun a new era of new films and paved the way for future Asian actors.
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My death and legacy opened up the movie world for new Asian actors such as Jackie Chan. I had actually worked with Jackie Chan before I passed in two films, "Fists of Fury" and "Enter the Dragon." From seeing the films that he has made since my death, he seemed to have taken roles that I would have played and actually expanded his film style from action and martial arts to the addition of comedy. His success might have happened without my first movies breaking the Asian barrier, but I believe that that is how my life was a success. That was the reason for my life and my true purpose. I opened the door so that Asian actors after me could have success and be happy. |