It’s been nearly 50 years since Bruce Lee’s passing, but he remains unforgettable.
He made an impact in more ways than one.
Throughout his illustrious career, he challenged prevailing Asian stereotypes and traditional ideas of masculinity.
He revolutionized the worlds of fitness and martial arts, both in practice and on the silver screen.
Aside from being the daughter of a cinematic icon, Lee has paved her own way in the industry.
She is an actress, executive producer, writer, and businesswoman.
One would imagine that being the child of such a legend would mean having really big shoes to fill.
“It’s always an interesting journey,” Lee shared in an interview withNicki Sun.
Lee has carried herself well throughout the years and made a name for herself in the process.
They welcomed their second child, Shannon Lee on April 19, 1969.
She was born at Santa Monica General Hospital.
Her late brother, Brandon Lee, was four years her senior.
Growing up, Lee and her brother were very much exposed to their father’s work.
We had his movie posters hanging everywhere in our home.
When he was filming, we’d go to set.
We would watch the films in theaters.
We’d watch on VHS," Lee said in an interview withESPN.
Martial arts was a big part of their childhood, too.
“My father used to fool around with us, having us throw punches and kicks.
Lee lived back and forth between Los Angeles and Hong Kong until she was 4 years old.
In 1974, she relocated to California after her father’s passing.
This came months before the release of “Enter the Dragon,” his critically acclaimed martial arts film.
He was pronounced dead on arrival at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and was later diagnosed with a cerebral edema.
His funeral was held in Hong Kong, and his body was buried in Seattle.
Though their time together was limited, Shannon Lee still has fond memories of her late father.
“When he focused his attention on you, it was like having the sun shine on you.
That feeling has stayed with me my whole life,” she toldPeople.
She studied vocal performance at Tulane University
“I loved my time in Tulane.
“I knew that I loved to sing.
Coming to Tulane, she was unsure of what major she wanted to pursue.
By the end of this, she realized that she really loved music.
Honestly, I had no plan.
I didn’t know what I wanted to do with that,” she explained.
During her stay at Tulane, she starred in numerous operas and recitals.
She starred as Belinda in the opera “Dido and Aeneas.”
He died due to an improperly loaded prop gun that went off during his character’s death scene.
In addition, the on-set armorer was not present when they filmed it.
This incident, along with many other mishaps on set, was dubbed “The Crow Curse.”
Many issues plagued the crew during filming.
Sadly, things didn’t go as planned due to his sudden death.
“It was terrifying.
I’m not gonna lie,” she said in her interview with Tulane University.
“I think any new thing that you start … you’re always a little terrified.”
She boasted her vocal talents in a scene, singing “California Dreamin'.”
She received nothing but praise from the production crew.
Lee continued taking minor roles with a mix of film and TV work until 2012.
Though she’s still open to taking cameo roles, she’s focused her energy on behind-the-scenes work.
In 2020, mother and daughter posted a quickvideoto commemorate Bruce Lee’s 80th birthday.
Like her father, Keasler tries her best to keep her personal life out of the spotlight.
She has a private Instagram account meant for friends and family only.
The relationship with the sport became complicated for both Lee and her brother after Bruce Lee’s untimely passing.
I don’t know why.
She runs the Bruce Lee Family Company and sits on the board of the Bruce Lee Foundation.
Though she has focused her efforts on behind-the-scenes roles, she doesn’t mind switching it up.
Acting is still a craft she enjoys, though she admits she finds it taxing emotionally.
“I will say for my own mental health, it’s really hard being an actor.
It’s a lot of rejection; it’s a lot of objectification.
Lee seems to have found the sweet spot in terms of her creative outlet.
“I like being behind the camera rather than in front,” she explained.
“This show is based on a treatment that my father wrote.
And the technology exists.”
If it sounds familiar, it’s because it’s named after one of Lee’s popular philosophies.
Yes, aside from being a legendary martial artist and actor, he was a philosopher, too.
Her late father’s words guided her throughout her life, through death, heartbreak, and other challenges.
During the death of her brother, his words were especially helpful.
And by ‘it’ I mean my father’s words, his practices.
The way he lived his life.
Like, all of that has helped me in my life.”
