Born: 1945 (Everett, Washington)
Biography:
Linda Emery Lee Cadwell, born on March 21, 1945, is a remarkable figure in American history. She is a retired American teacher and writer, but she is most notable for being the widow of the legendary martial arts master and actor, Bruce Lee, and the mother of actor Brandon Lee and actress Shannon Lee. Throughout her life, Linda has made significant contributions to preserving the legacy of Bruce Lee and promoting his martial art philosophy.
Linda was born in Everett, Washington, to Vivian R. and Everett Emery. Raised in a Baptist family of Swedish, Irish, and English descent, Linda’s upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of determination and independence. Her life took an extraordinary turn when she met Bruce Lee while attending Garfield High School. Bruce came to give a kung fu demonstration at her school, and little did Linda know that this encounter would shape the course of her life.
As fate would have it, Linda became one of Bruce’s kung fu students when she was studying to become a teacher at the University of Washington. This marked the beginning of a unique relationship that would forever change the world of martial arts. Linda and Bruce’s deep connection led to their marriage on August 17, 1964. Although Linda was a few credits short of graduation, she embarked on an incredible journey alongside Bruce.
During this time, Bruce Lee had established his own kung fu school and was teaching Jun Fan Gung Fu, his modified version of Wing Chun. Linda supported Bruce’s endeavors wholeheartedly and became an essential pillar in his life. Together, they welcomed two children, Brandon Lee and Shannon Lee, who would later follow in their father’s footsteps and make their mark in the entertainment industry.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck the Lee family when Bruce Lee passed away unexpectedly on July 20, 1973, due to an allergic reaction to an analgesic. Linda was left to navigate the daunting task of raising their young children while carrying the weight of her grief. Despite the immense loss, Linda persevered and dedicated herself to preserving Bruce’s legacy.
In 1975, Linda released her book Bruce Lee: The Man Only I Knew, a poignant memoir that provided an intimate portrait of her life with Bruce. This book served as the foundation for the 1993 feature film Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, where Linda was portrayed by actress Lauren Holly. Her written account offers valuable insights into Bruce’s philosophy, his contributions to martial arts, and his brilliant mind.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Linda wrote another book, The Bruce Lee Story, in 1989, delving deeper into their journey as a family. Linda’s books not only celebrated the life of Bruce Lee but also shed light on the woman behind the icon. Linda’s commitment to her husband’s legacy extended beyond her writing.
She played a pivotal role in establishing the Bruce Lee Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching Bruce’s philosophy on martial arts and his writings on philosophy. Even after her retirement in 2001, Linda remained an unpaid advisor of the foundation, ensuring that Bruce’s teachings continue to inspire future generations.
Linda’s life was marred by further tragedy when, on March 31, 1993, her son Brandon was accidentally shot and killed while filming The Crow. This devastating event further heightened Linda’s determination to honor her family’s legacy and continue promoting Bruce Lee’s martial art, Jeet Kune Do.
Linda married Tom Bleecker in 1988, but they divorced in 1990. In 1991, she found love again and tied the knot with stockbroker Bruce Cadwell. Together, they settled in Rancho Mirage, California, enjoying a peaceful life.
Linda Lee Cadwell’s unwavering dedication to preserving her husband’s legacy has had a profound impact on society. By sharing her personal experiences and insights, she has allowed the world to see Bruce Lee through a more intimate lens. Her contributions to martial arts and women’s history cannot be understated, as she has played a vital role in amplifying the influence and philosophy of one of the world’s most iconic figures.