Bruce Lee: 40 years ago and still remembered

Today, July 20, marks the 40th year when Bruce Lee passed away. He is perhaps the greatest Chinese American action hero in Hollywood. Surpassing even the status of beloved funnyman, Jackie Chan. Lee brought intensity to the big screen, a martial arts God that favored and feared no one. He was a legend.

Across the shore, in Hong Kong, Lee’s daughter, Shannon, spoke at an exhibition set to honor his father’s legacy. She was only 4 years old when the Martial Arts icon died from acute swelling of the brain at age 32 – at the height of his career. Shannon is also the chairwoman of the Bruce Lee Foundation, one of the organizers of the exhibit, which will run for a period of 5 years.

Despite this exhibition, fans still hold the Hong Kong government over hot water for not setting up an appropriate museum for the famed star. Lee has been a recipient of various posthumous awards, the latest coming from the US House of Representatives for his contributions to popular culture and Chinese American history.

The exhibition features much of his personal belongings as memorabilia such as his everyday clothes and costumes from films. It also highlights a 3d show of his greatest movies, centering on his taut and powerful signature moves. John Tsang, Hong Kong financial secretary remarked how Lee created his own philosophy and how he is still very much admired and followed by fans.

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