ALS signed “Bruce,” one page, 8.5 x 11, postmarked at Los Angeles on December 16, 1970. A short handwritten letter to friend and actor Bob Baker, in full: “It take me a day to get back to myself to write the letter to ‘thank you’ once more for everything, particularly ‘these super duper!’ We had some wonderful moments. Peace, Love, Brotherhood.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered light staining and soiling. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope hand-addressed by Lee, and by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
Robert Baker is best known for portraying the Russian villain Petrov in the 1972 movie Fist of Fury, a role he landed thanks to Lee, his Jeet Kune Do instructor, who hand-picked Baker to play the character due to his height and ‘tough guy’ appearance. In addition to being his pupil and confidant, Baker, for a time, also served as Lee’s personal drug dealer. While some in Hollywood suspected Lee of using drugs, his correspondence with Baker during this time period all but confirms it, with Lee writing a “super duper” thank you note following a full day of recovery. These secret habits may have contributed to Lee’s early death at the age of 32.
Provenance: Heritage Auctions, July 2021.
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