The U.S. Postal Service gives Bruce Lee its stamp of approval with a Forever postage stamp
The cultural icon and former UW student will be seen by even more people on envelopes carrying their mail.
Cultural icon. Actor. Martial arts master. And former University of Washington drama major. Bruce Lee was that and a whole lot more. That’s why the U.S. Postal Service is honoring the Seattle native with a Bruce Lee Forever postage stamp.
Lee attended the UW from 1961 to 1964 and opened the first kung fu studio on the Ave. He starred in four martial arts movies and was Hollywood’s first Asian American superstar when he died in 1973.
The USPS honored Lee because he “captivated film audiences with his skill, charisma and screen presence and inspired a generation of young fans to explore action movies, mixed martial arts and Asian culture,” it said in a statement.
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- Photo courtesy USPS
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- Photo courtesy USPS
The stamp artwork features a black-and-white painting of Lee executing his famous flying kick, set against a yellow calligraphic brushstroke on a white background, the USPS statement added. The brushstroke is a reference to Lee’s iconic yellow tracksuit in the film “The Game of Death,” which was released years after his death.
The unveiling of the stamp was held at the Nippon Kan Theatre in the Japantown section of Seattle. His daughter, Shannon Lee, chief executive officer of Bruce Lee Enterprises, was on hand for the ceremony.
“He was mesmerizing to watch,” said Ben Kuo, USPS senior vice president of facilities and infrastructure. “Unlike the theatrical, acrobatic kung fu that came before, Lee’s movements were economical, explosive and real.
“Bruce Lee has earned this special tribute because he wasn’t just an action film star who could fight – he was a philosopher who could think and a teacher who inspired millions.”
Lee’s daughter Shannon said, “His legacy is one of resilience, self-mastery and flow that resonates and connects people across multiple demographics, which is why this stamp is such a profoundly perfect touchpoint and a true honor. Our family is deeply grateful to the USPS for choosing to recognize Bruce Lee, and we are excited to see his kicks flying all across the country on our mail.”
Born Lee Jun Fan in San Francisco in 1940, Lee rose to fame in Hong Kong before becoming Hollywood’s first Asian American leading man, according to the USPS.