The Postal Service dedicated its stamp honoring martial artist and film star Bruce Lee during a ceremony in Seattle on Feb. 18.
Born in San Francisco in 1940 and raised in Hong Kong, Lee grew up immersed in both Eastern and Western cultures. When he returned to the United States as a young man, he encountered a film industry that often relegated Asian actors to stereotypical, minor roles or used white actors to play Asian characters.
However, Lee’s performances in “The Big Boss,” “Fist of Fury,” “The Way of the Dragon” and his masterpiece, “Enter the Dragon,” would thrill audiences around the world and inspire fans to explore action movies, mixed martial arts and Asian culture.
“Bruce Lee was mesmerizing to watch. Unlike the theatrical, acrobatic kung fu that came before, his movements were economical, explosive and real,” said Ben Kuo, the Postal Service’s senior vice president of facilities and infrastructure, who spoke at the ceremony.
Joining Kuo for the ceremony were Lee’s daughter, Shannon Lee; Sue Ann Kay, a former student and friend of Lee; and journalist Jeff Chang. Mimi Gan, an officer of the board of trustees for the Wing Luke Museum, was master of ceremonies. Genelia Lai performed the national anthem and American Legion Cathay Post 186 provided the color guard.
“I think it’s great for him to be recognized by the U.S. Postal Service because a lot of people don’t realize that he was American,” said Shannon Lee. “America really shaped him and in return, he helped shape America.”
Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using a portrait by Kam Mak depicting Lee’s iconic flying kick.
The Forever stamp is available in sheets of 20 at Post Offices and at usps.com.
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