Bruce Lee Once Charged a Massive Sum for an Afternoon?s Visit After the Popularity of His Iconic Character

Hong Kong star Bruce Lee found his big break in Hollywood through his first major adult role in the hit television series, The Green Hornet?(1966). The master played the role of Kato, an assistant of the main character, Hornet?a role that became Lee?s ladder to fame in America. In fact, his popularity opened gates for him to leverage money for his guest appearances in elite circuits.?

In Lee?s biography Bruce Lee: A Life, author Matthew Polly revealed that the master once charged a jaw-dropping amount for his afternoon visit. Such was the grand demand of the martial

How much did Bruce Lee charge for his afternoon visit?

Bruce Lee?s The Green Hornet successfully ran for 26 episodes over the course of a year from 1966?1967. It was a golden period for Lee as he enjoyed the fame that are often attributed to the likes of Hollywood stars for the first time. The popularity of his character, Kato, permitted him to charge a hefty amount for his guest appearances. Lee?s biography revealed, ?He appeared at store openings and rode on floats, often in Kato?s dark suit, chauffeur?s cap, and black mask.?

Moreover, Lee charged $4,000 for an afternoon visit in 1966, which is estimated to be $37,333 in today?s time. Sadly, this golden period of churning out massive money eventually ended when the show was canceled in 1967. It dried up the fascinating big-money invites for Lee.

Consequently, many businessmen in America approached Lee, pitching the idea of opening nationwide franchises of Kato Karate Schools. The stakeholders were ready to fund it and tried to convince Lee to contribute his expertise in the martial art classes.?

Read More: Truth Unfolds: Real Reason Bruce Lee Stopped Teaching Kung Fu in 1970

Although the offer was Lee?s golden ticket to fulfilling his college dream of opening a chain of martial art classes, he turned down the offer.?

Here’s why Bruce Lee declined the great offer

Businessmen only needed Bruce Lee to trade his name and prominence as a label in the nationwide franchise of his martial art classes. However, after deep introspection and evaluation of his life goals, Lee declined the offer. He realized that building a franchise of martial art classes would swoop in most of his time and energy. He feared it might end his acting career.?

The master explained to his friends,??I could have made a fortune..but I didn?t want to prostitute my art for the sake of money.???However, Lee weaved an alternate strategy in mind to sell his art. The master decided to create a brand out of his skills and attracted celebrities to take private classes under him. This was a game changer for Lee as he made blind money from the rich entertainment icons.?

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