?You Will Never Kick High Again?: Bodybuilding Nearly Ended Bruce Lee?s Acting Career in 1970

Even after all these years, Bruce Lee and his acting legacy were able to create a different genre and set of aesthetics within the Hollywood industry. Even today, whenever people talk about action films or martial arts, one cannot stop mentioning the legendary Little Phoenix. Although the MMA expert never played any other sport, he once tried his hands at bodybuilding as a part of his training. The consequences were uncanny!

However, this decision almost put “the end” to Lee’s acting career. In Lee’s biography, the author described this depressing phase of Lee’s career in detail.

Bruce Lee almost had to bid farewell to Hollywood

In 2018, American author Matthew Polly released a biography named?Bruce Lee: A Life on the actor’s iconic career. The book consists of many stories from Lee’s professional and personal life, and some quotes from the legend himself.

In 1970, the author recalled how Lee nearly ended his acting career due to an accident in the gym. Lee used to do weight training like bodybuilders to improve his build and muscles. However, when the Little Dragon placed a 125-pound barbell on his shoulder, he ended up in the hospital with permanent damage on his back.

Read More: ?Went With Lighter Weights?: Bruce Lee Received Bodybuilding Tips From His Martial Arts Students, Revealed in His Biography

The doctors had prescribed a three months complete bed rest, followed by rehab. However, the worst of all was when the doctor said, “You will never kick high again.? This was one of the darkest days in Lee’s life as he could see his career slipping through his fingers. In the book, Lee was quoted, ?I really got scared because I just got Shannon and I spent a lot of money on doctors for my treatment.” However, Lee had his family by his side to help him, and soon the legend surprised the doctors.

Lee’s strong comeback

Lee was very disappointed in himself and was worried about his family and their expenses. But Lee’s wife stepped up in the time of distress and decided to work by the time Lee recovered from injury. Although the actor was against letting his wife work, he had no option but to listen to her.

However, the martial arts legend did not let the dark phase stop him from returning to his training and acting. Soon after his rehab, Lee slowly pushed himself to do light training and practice. Contrary to the doctor’s reports, the martial arts legend was back to his previous self, hitting high kicks and featuring in some iconic roles.

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