California Designates May 17 as Bruce Lee Day

California has officially designated May 17 as Bruce Lee Day, honoring martial arts icon Bruce Lee as the first Chinese American in the state's history to receive such an annual namesake.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the legislation on Tuesday, following efforts by Assemblymember Matt Haney.

The date commemorates Lee's return to San Francisco on May 17, 1959, at 18, after a childhood in Hong Kong.

His daughter, Shannon Lee, CEO of the Bruce Lee Foundation, called the honor a testament to his enduring legacy as a cultural bridge.

She stated, "From young people who found confidence and possibility in his philosophy, to families who finally saw themselves represented on screen, to athletes who still draw on his teachings of discipline and inner strength, his reach is profound."

Assemblymember Haney, representing San Francisco, lauded Lee as "the epitome of the best of California," adding, "At a time when Asian Americans were too often absent from or stereotyped on screen, Bruce Lee helped generations see themselves represented with strength and dignity." The Bruce Lee Foundation and Asian American organizations hope for annual commemorative activities.

Born in San Francisco in 1940, Lee held birthright citizenship.

After a childhood in Hong Kong as a child actor learning kung fu, he returned to the U.S. in 1959, dedicating himself to martial arts after a brief enrollment at the University of Washington.

In the 1960s, Lee found work in Hollywood, notably as Kato in "The Green Hornet," but faced racist stereotypes and received less pay.

He pivoted to Hong Kong, achieving megastar status in films like "The Big Boss" and "Fist of Fury." Lee died in 1973 at 32 from an allergic reaction to pain medication.

His name and likeness remain popular, with fans gathering on his birthday and a TV action series he wrote inspiring the HBO Max show "Warrior," underscoring his lasting cultural impact.