Legendary Chinese-American martial arts artist and actor (1940–1973) whose skill, charisma, and presence afforded martial arts films a new measure of respectability and popularity. His untimely death “by misadventure” sparked all manner of speculation, including rumors of assassination, ancestral curses, and more. Very scarce unsigned letter in Lee’s hand, in Chinese, two pages, 7.25 x 10.5, American President Lines airmail letterhead, no date [circa late 1950s–early 1960s]. Lee writes to Mrs. Cao (whom he addresses as “Eva auntie”). Most of the text is written in Chinese characters, but Lee has penned several words in English: the greeting; “coffee, bread, eggs, ham”; “Pearl” (his girlfriend at the time)”; and “lunch time.” In part: “Since we said farewell to each other at the harbor, I felt so sad. I force myself to smile in front of you and my mother so that you wouldn’t see my true feelings. It broke my heart. When the ship left the harbor, I stood there watching ... without taking my eyes off it for a second. I watched and watched as your faces gradually disappeared ... and even though I couldn’t see you anymore, I still stood there like a dead log. I started to cry, but no tears came out. I felt so lonely in this world. I couldn’t predict what my future would be.... I will cherish all of it in my memory. Watching the waves passing by, I felt upset and didn’t know what to do, and I don’t know when we can meet each other again.... Do you know how I cherish our friendship so much, especially after I had so much experience in this materialistic world!... It is so hard to have a true friend now.... There are ten people in my room, and they are very kind.... However, this couldn’t cheer me up.... Next morning we went to have our breakfast.... After the breakfast, I felt dizzy and sick.... Today we are going to act as “rescuing guard”.... We all put on life jackets and wandered here and there.... After we finish ... I will go back to write to you and Mama and Daddy.... There also many Malaysian people. I don’t like them.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Lee’s hand (in English), including his name and return address in San Francisco, and a printed translation. In fine condition, with usual mailing folds and mild toning and wrinkling. PSA/DNA COA and R&R COA.
