Bruce Lee Day declared in California: Here's why the state is honoring the Chinese-American martial arts legend

Published 2 July 2026 · us

California has officially designated May 17 as Bruce Lee Day, making martial arts icon Bruce Lee the first Chinese American in the state's history to

California has officially designated May 17 as Bruce Lee Day, making martial arts icon Bruce Lee the first Chinese American in the state's history to receive an annual namesake day. Gavin Newsom signed the legislation on Tuesday, officially establishing May 17 as Bruce Lee Day, according to the office of Matt Haney, who represents San Francisco. The date marks Lee's return to San Francisco on May 17, 1959, when he came back to the United States at the age of 18 after spending much of his childhood in Hong Kong. Daughter welcomes the honor Lee's daughter, Shannon Lee, who heads the Bruce Lee Foundation, said the recognition reflects her father's lasting impact as a bridge between cultures. She said Lee inspired generations by giving young people confidence through his philosophy, helping Asian American families see themselves represented on screen, and influencing athletes with his teachings on discipline and inner strength. Celebrating Asian American representation Haney described Lee as embodying "the best of California," saying the actor broke barriers at a time when Asian Americans were largely absent from Hollywood or portrayed through stereotypes. The Bruce Lee Foundation and several Asian American organizations hope the annual observance will include voluntary events such as cultural exhibitions, public celebrations and classroom lessons across California.

Bruce Lee's journey Born in San Francisco in 1940 to Chinese parents who were touring with a Chinese opera company, Lee acquired US citizenship by birth. The family soon returned to Hong Kong, where he became a child actor and trained in Chinese kung fu. Lee returned to the US in 1959 and enrolled at University of Washington in Seattle in 1961 before leaving college to pursue martial arts full time. From Hollywood to global stardom Lee gained early recognition in the 1960s as Kato in the TV series The Green Hornet. Facing limited opportunities and stereotypical roles in Hollywood, he returned to Hong Kong, where he became an international martial arts superstar with films including The Big Boss and Fist of Fury. Lee died in 1973 at the age of 32 after suffering an allergic reaction to pain medication, but his influence on martial arts, cinema and popular culture continues to resonate worldwide. Bruce Lee: Martial arts legend who transformed global cinema Bruce Lee (November 27, 1940 – July 20, 1973) was a Hong Kong-American martial artist, actor, and filmmaker widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in martial arts and action cinema. Through his films, teachings and philosophy, Lee broke racial barriers in Hollywood, popularized Chinese martial arts around the world, and inspired generations of athletes, actors and martial artists.