Bruce Lee Family Tree: The Story Behind the Little Dragon

Lee Jun-fan, known as Bruce Lee (1940–1973), born 27 November 1940 in Chinatown, San Francisco, USA, and died 20 July 1973 in Hong Kong, was the martial artist and actor who introduced kung fu globally — The Big Boss (1971), Fist of Fury (1972), Way of the Dragon (1972), Enter the Dragon (1973 — released 6 days after his death). Founded Jeet Kune Do; died at 32 of cerebral edema.

The Family's Roots: A Cantonese Opera Family

Father was a Cantonese opera star; mother was Eurasian.

His Parents

Father: Lee Hoi-chuen (1901–1965) — Cantonese opera and film star.

Mother: Grace Ho (1907–1996) — Eurasian (Chinese-German mother, English father).

His Siblings

Phoebe Lee (1938–2018) — elder sister.

Agnes Lee — elder sister.

Peter Lee (1939–2008) — elder brother.

Robert Lee, born 1948 — younger brother; musician.

His Wife: Linda Emery

Linda Lee Cadwell (née Emery), born 21 March 1945 — American. Married Bruce on 17 August 1964 in Seattle.

Their Children

Brandon Bruce Lee (1965–1993) — son; actor (The Crow); killed on set of The Crow 31 March 1993 at 28 (freak accident with prop gun).

Shannon Lee, born 19 April 1969 — daughter; actress; runs Bruce Lee Foundation.

The Lee Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Lee Hoi-chuen (1901–1965) — Cantonese opera star.

Mother: Grace Ho (1907–1996) — Eurasian.

Siblings: Phoebe (1938–2018); Agnes; Peter (1939–2008); Robert (b. 1948).

Wife: Linda Emery (b. 21 March 1945; m. 17 August 1964).

Children: Brandon Lee (1965–1993, killed on The Crow set); Shannon Lee (b. 19 April 1969).

Bruce Lee:

  • Born 27 November 1940, San Francisco (Chinese year of Dragon)
  • Family moved to Hong Kong 1941
  • Ip Man taught Bruce Wing Chun 1954-1959
  • Moved to US (Seattle) 1959
  • University of Washington (Drama, Philosophy)
  • Green Hornet TV 1966-67 as Kato
  • The Big Boss (1971) — Hong Kong stardom
  • Enter the Dragon (1973) — released 6 days after death
  • Founded Jeet Kune Do 1967
  • Died: 20 July 1973, Hong Kong — cerebral edema at 32

What the Lee Family Story Teaches Us

A Cantonese opera-star father. A Eurasian mother. Four siblings. A wife of 9 years. Two children — son Brandon killed on set 20 years after Bruce's own death (age 28). A career that made kung fu a global phenomenon in only 4 major films.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Bruce Lee story carries the same lesson. Some careers change global martial arts in 4 films — and the family loses a son to another film set.

👉 Start building your family legacy today with Family Root App

📜 Disclaimer The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of all data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not aim to infringe on any individual's privacy or personal rights. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.