The U.S. Postal Service unveiled a new Forever stamp honoring Chinese American martial artist and actor Bruce Lee on Wednesday, featuring an image of his iconic flying kick.
The stamp was dedicated during a ceremony at the Nippon Kan Theatre in Seattle. Ben Kuo, USPS senior vice president of facilities and infrastructure, said Lee’s movements were economical, explosive, and real. “Bruce Lee has earned this special tribute because he wasn’t just an action film star who could fight, he was a philosopher who could think and a teacher who inspired millions,” Kuo said.
Shannon Lee, CEO of Bruce Lee Enterprises and Lee’s daughter, also spoke at the event. “His legacy is one of resilience, self-mastery and flow that resonates and connects people across multiple demographics, which is why this stamp is such a profoundly perfect touchpoint and a true honor,” she said. “Our family is deeply grateful to the USPS for choosing to recognize Bruce Lee, and we are excited to see his kicks flying all across the country on our mail.”
Born Lee Jun Fan in San Francisco in 1940, Lee rose to fame in Hong Kong before becoming Hollywood’s first Asian American leading man. The stamp was designed by USPS art director Antonio Alcalá using an egg tempera painting by artist Kam Mak. The design features a black-and-white image of Lee accented with a yellow brushstroke referencing his film “The Game of Death.”
The Bruce Lee stamp is sold in panes of 20. As a Forever stamp, it will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce rate.
