Born: 1969 (Santa Monica, California)
Biography:
Shannon Emery Lee Keasler, born on April 19, 1969, is an American actress, businesswoman, and martial artist. She is renowned for being the only living child of the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee and Linda Lee Cadwell, a retired martial arts teacher. Shannon is also the younger sister of actor Brandon Lee and the granddaughter of Cantonese opera singer Lee Hoi-chuen.
Shannon Lee was born at UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica, California. Growing up, she had the privilege of being raised in a household deeply immersed in martial arts. Her father, Bruce Lee, was not only a martial arts film star but also the creator of a martial art form called Jeet Kune Do. Under the guidance of one of her father’s students, Richard Bustillo, Shannon studied Jeet Kune Do and developed a genuine passion for martial arts.
In 1993, Shannon Lee made her acting debut in the biographical film Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, where she portrayed a party singer. This film served as a representation of her father’s life and legacy. The following year, she appeared in Cage II. Her acting credits also include the 1997 film High Voltage and the 1998 Hong Kong action film Enter the Eagles, directed by Corey Yuen. In Enter the Eagles, Shannon showcased her martial arts skills in a fight scene with Benny Urquidez, who later became her kickboxing teacher. She also made a guest appearance on the television series Martial Law alongside Sammo Hung.
Aside from her acting career, Shannon Lee has been actively involved in promoting her father’s legacy and preserving his philosophy. She currently serves as the president of the Bruce Lee Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Bruce Lee’s teachings and philosophies. As the executive producer of the 2008 television series The Legend of Bruce Lee and the 2009 documentary film How Bruce Lee Changed the World, she has played a vital role in promoting her father’s life and impact.
In 2015, Shannon Lee teamed up with Perfect Storm Entertainment to announce the production of the series Warrior, based on an original idea by Bruce Lee. The series, which debuted in 2019 on Cinemax, aims to bring Bruce Lee’s vision to life and continue his legacy in the entertainment industry. Filmmaker Justin Lin was chosen to direct the series, further solidifying its commitment to authenticity and quality.
Shannon Lee’s personal life includes her marriage to Ian Keasler, with whom she shares a daughter named Wren. In addition to her immediate family, Shannon comes from a lineage deeply rooted in tradition and history. She is the daughter of Bruce Lee, granddaughter of Lee Hoi-chuen and Grace Ho, sister of Brandon Lee, and niece of Robert Lee Jun-fai and Peter Lee Jung-sum. Furthermore, her paternal great-grandfather was Ho Kom Tong, who happened to be the half-brother of Robert Hotung.
Shannon Lee’s dedication to the martial arts extends beyond her acting career and family connections. She is committed to preserving her father’s legacy, promoting his philosophy, and ensuring that his impact on society is recognized and celebrated. Through her work as an actress, businesswoman, and martial artist, Shannon Lee continues to inspire and influence individuals around the world.