With its vibrant creative culture, the Emerald City— and Washington at large— has a history of attracting talent. But one of the most iconic celebrities who lived in Seattle was martial arts legend Bruce Lee. Though he only stayed five years, as Lee’s star rose, his connection to Seattle persisted, inspiring a generation of youngsters to learn more about the practice of gung-fu.

Bruce Lee's pop-culture legacy can't be overstated. Though he started out as a martial arts instructor, show business was in his blood; his father was a Cantonese opera star. That said, his meteoric rise to stardom was not a given. In the 60s and 70s, Asian actors weren't considered bankable by Hollywood executives.
Eagle News Live/Youtube
Lee fought his way to fame, relying on his enormous talent, charisma, and business acumen to overcome the stifling prejudices of his day and become an icon in the process. At his career's peak, his ubiquity helped popularize the martial arts genre and introduced millions to Hong Kong action cinema.
Johnson Lau/Wikipedia
Though he was born in San Fransisco and lived in Hong Kong when he passed away at 32, Lee's family chose to bury him in Seattle. It was in the Emerald City that he met and married his wife, Linda. The young couple enjoyed their first date at the Space Needle.

Linda Lee always maintained that Seattle felt like their true home, where life had been simple, and their love had been simple, too.
F Eason/Google Reviews

Related Stories

A Little-Known Slice Of Washington History Can Be Found At This Walla Walla Site

A Little-Known Slice Of Washington History Can Be Found At This Walla Walla Site

 9 Unique Trivia Facts About Washington You Might Not Have Heard Before

9 Unique Trivia Facts About Washington You Might Not Have Heard Before

 Stay Overnight In Old WWII Barracks Right Here In Washington At Fort Worden

Stay Overnight In Old WWII Barracks Right Here In Washington At Fort Worden
Lee was put to rest at Lake View Cemetery in the Capitol Hill neighborhood just north of Volunteer Park.
Andrew Kwek/Google Reviews
Various mature shrubs and trees convey precious privacy to the grounds which, on a clear day, boast glorious views of Lake Washington.
Dhananjay Gupta/Google Reviews
Lee's grave is a site of global pilgrimage, estimated to attract 10,000 people each year. He lies beside his son, Brandon Lee, who followed his father's footsteps as an aspiring action star. Tragically, Brandon Lee also died young, at only 28.

It's moving to look through the cemetery guestbook, where fans have been recording their reasons for visiting since 1999. They're as broad as his influence, ranging from his example as a martial artist to his experience as an immigrant.
Michelle Hovsepyan/Google Reviews
If you plan to pay your respects to Lee's grave, consider visiting his favorite restaurant in the International District, Tai Tung.
Jerry Wang/Google Reviews

Bruce Lee was one of the most iconic celebrities who lived in Seattle. Visit the city that loves him as much as he loved it and learn more about his incredible career.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Washington

Featured Addresses
1554 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102, USA