The interview that made Bruce Lee famous

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The Role as Kato

The footage above goes back to 1965 when Bruce was asked to do a Screen Test for the upcoming Tv Show "Green Hornet". The story behind this interview is interesting and surely deserves to be deepened more.
Bruce wasn't a world known icon at the time, in fact the interview was set up after a martial arts tournament in Calofornia in 1964.
Among the people who have watched the tournament was Bruce's friend Jay Sebring, a famous celebrity hairdresser.

An excerpt from the martial arts competition, 1964

After the tournament, the famous television producer William Dozier was told by Jay about Bruce's skills. After seeing the footage of the tournament, Dozier wanted to see Bruce to offer him a lead role in the upcoming "Number One Son", a tv series about a detective that never happened to exist. However, Dozier was really impressed by Bruce's moves and he wanted to collaborate with him in any way possible. So, he insisted on making a Screen Test in which he was interviewed. The screen test was for the role of Kato in "Green Hornet", a chauffeur and main character's helper, just as Batman and Robin.

Van Williams and Bruce Lee as Kato

Green Hornet

At first, Bruce wasn't really sure to accept the role, fortunately he did. Even though the Green Hornet can not be compared to other classics such as "Enter the Dragon", it was in a way a gate opener for his future incredible succes. In fact, "The Green Hornet" showed to a large public Bruce's awesome skills.

Comments

Jbrodie
2021-02-27 05:13:42
One of the best, maybe the best ever, just saying!.
Mitchel Schoeneman
2022-05-19 00:34:25
I envy your work, thanks for all the great blog posts.
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2022-07-28 11:59:57
Looking forward to reading more. Great blog.
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2022-10-28 08:57:33
have come to the conclusion that you are right about many of them. You are great. 
Bobby Laughlin
2023-07-27 20:00:00
Wow, this article nailed it! Bruce Lee's legendary status started from this intervew. Amazing insight! His charisma was truly infectous!
Billy Ponderosa
2023-07-27 20:00:00
Bruce Lee, the high-kicking sensation! Busts out those punches like popcorns at a movie! Heartly loved the in-depth coverage on his life. Big thumbs up!
Lily Thompson
2023-07-27 20:00:00
What an informative read - really gives insight on how Bruce Lee kicked his way to stardom! And who knew, kung fu puns could striek such a chord!
Molly Peterson
2023-07-27 20:00:00
What a gem of a piece! Bruce Lee, a true legend. It's remarkable how this interview catapulted him to sky-rocketing fame. He's simply unbeatable! (accidentlly included a n extra space, OOps!)
Bob Twinkletoes
2023-07-27 20:00:00
Wham bam! Bruce Lee really kicked it up a notch here! A real eye-operning interview. A mark of a true kung fu legend!

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