The U.S. Postal Service unveiled a new Forever stamp on Wednesday, , honoring the legacy of Bruce Lee. The stamp, featuring a dynamic image of Lee executing his iconic flying kick, was revealed at a ceremony in Seattle’s Chinatown International District, a neighborhood deeply connected to the martial artist’s formative years.
The stamp’s design incorporates a black and white portrait of Lee mid-kick, overlaid on a vibrant yellow background – a direct reference to the striking jumpsuit he wore in his unfinished film, The Game of Death. The words “Bruce Lee” and “Forever USA” are integrated into the image, appearing as if fractured by the force of the kick.
The event drew a crowd of Lee’s family, friends, and devoted fans, punctuated by a traditional lion dance. Speakers highlighted Lee’s groundbreaking impact not only on martial arts and cinema, but also on broader cultural perceptions of Asian Americans.
“It’s an image of elevation, it’s an image of breaking through — and he did that for so many of us who are of Asian and Pacific Island descent, but he also did that for all of us as Americans,” said Jeff Chang, a journalist and biographer of Lee. Chang emphasized the significance of the ceremony’s location, noting that Seattle was where Lee “truly learned America” after returning from his upbringing in Hong Kong.
Born in San Francisco in , Lee moved back to his birthplace in before eventually settling in Seattle. He attended the University of Washington and established his first martial arts school in the University District, where he also met and married his wife, Linda.
Chang explained that Seattle provided a crucial environment for Lee’s development. “These people and experiences helped to shape him into the man that we would come to know and revere as someone who, through his movements, through his thoughts, would teach millions of us to be able to stand up and fight for ourselves,” he said.
Lee’s journey took him to Hollywood, where he challenged prevailing stereotypes in roles on television series like The Green Hornet (where he played Kato) and Longstreet. Despite facing resistance to casting Asian actors in leading roles, Lee persevered, ultimately writing, directing, and starring in his own projects.
Shannon Lee, Bruce Lee’s daughter, spoke at the unveiling, underscoring the importance of this national recognition. She shared stories of individuals who had been inspired by her father’s work, expressing a sense of pride in seeing him represented on screen. “It took nine years for the stamp to come to fruition,” she noted, “and the honor felt particularly poignant given her father’s legacy.”
“He brought cultures together. He brought different martial arts together. He brought different industries together,” Lee continued. “And now, this stamp will be doing that as well, and continuing that legacy of connection and togetherness.”
The artwork for the stamp was created by New York City-based artist Kam Mak, in collaboration with USPS Art Director Antonio Alcalá. For Mak, the project held deeply personal significance. Like Lee, Mak immigrated to the United States from Hong Kong, settling in Manhattan’s Chinatown as a child.
“Growing up as an immigrant kid, it was very tough,” Mak recalled. “I have no one to idolize, have no one to look up to.” That changed after seeing Return of the Dragon with his uncle. “Having Bruce Lee, a tough guy, someone that is actually a hero and [didn’t] always play a bad character … I just feel a sense of identity,” Mak said. “I feel ‘Hey, he’s Chinese. I’m Chinese. I feel good about myself.’”
Mak’s experience reflects the broader impact Lee had on a generation of Asian Americans, providing a powerful role model and challenging existing narratives. The stamp, represents more than just a tribute to a martial arts icon; it’s a symbol of cultural pride and a testament to Lee’s enduring legacy.
Lee’s influence extends beyond the realm of entertainment. He developed his own martial arts philosophy, Jeet Kune Do, which emphasized fluidity and adaptability over rigid adherence to tradition. His approach to self-expression and personal growth continues to resonate with individuals across disciplines, from action cinema and popular music to the evolution of mixed martial arts.
Though Lee’s life was tragically cut short in at the age of 32, his impact remains profound. The Forever stamp serves as a lasting reminder of his contributions and a celebration of his enduring spirit.
