Brandon Lee: See Photos Of ‘The Crow’ Star & Bruce Lee’s Son

By:
October 22, 2021 11:18AM EDT

Brandon Lee was an up-and-coming star when his life was tragically cut short. Take a look at photos of ‘The Crow’ star and late son of action movie icon, Bruce Lee.

1 of 10

Brandon Lee

Brandon Lee
Moviestore/Shutterstock

Brandon Bruce Lee was born on Feb. 1, 1965. He was the son of film icon and martial arts legend, Bruce Lee, and Linda Lee Cadwell. Born in Oakland and raised in California, 9-year-old Brandon began studying martial arts with one of his father’s students. While visiting his father on set, Brandon became interested in acting, a career he would eventually pursue as a young man. He took acting lessons at the Leee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City and attended Emerson College in Boston. In 1985, Brandon returned to California and began his career in movies and television. He appeared in ‘Kung Fu: The Movie,’ a television film (which was based on ‘Kung Fu,’ a 1970s television series originally conceived for Bruce Lee.)

Brandon appeared in a few series and films, including ‘Showdown in Little Tokyo’ and ‘Rapid Fire.’ Brandon landed the part of Eric Draven, the main character of ‘The Crow.’ This role would prove to be fatal. During a session towards the end of filming, Brandon was shot by a prop gun. Despite the efforts of doctors, Brandon passed away on March 31, 1993. The death was ruled due to negligence. An improper “dummy bullet” had lodged itself in the barrel of a gun in an early scene, and when the gun fired its blank, the explosion propelled the “dummy” tip as if it were a live round. Brandon was just 28 when he died.

October 22, 2021, 10:02AM
2 of 10

Brandon Lee Portrait

Brandon Lee Portrait
Luke Wynne/Kobal/Shutterstock

Brandon Lee was 28 when he died. He played the main character in ‘The Crow,’ an iconic film of the 1990s. 

October 22, 2021, 10:02AM
3 of 10

Brandon Lee in 1986

Brandon Lee in 1986
Moviestore/Shutterstock

Brandon Lee sits next to David Carradine, right, on ‘Kung Fu: The Movie.’ The 1986 made-for-tv movie saw Brandon appear in a series that was originally conceived for his father, Bruce Lee. 

October 22, 2021, 10:02AM
4 of 10

Brandon Lee

Brandon Lee
Moviestore/Shutterstock

Brandon Lee, star of ‘Rapid Fire,’ poses for a portrait. While his earlier films failed to win over critics, his charisma shone through. Many thought he had the potential to be a leading man in Hollywood.

October 22, 2021, 10:02AM
5 of 10

Brandon Lee In 1991

Brandon Lee In 1991
Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock

Brandon Lee appears in ‘Showdown In Little Tokyo.’ The 1991 film has since become a cult classic. 

October 22, 2021, 10:02AM
6 of 10

Brandon Lee

Brandon Lee
Araldo Di Crollalanza/Shutterstock

Brandon Lee. Brandon Lee was buried on April 3, 1993, next to the grave of his father, in Seattle. He and his fiancee, Eliza Hutton, had plans to wed in Mexico after ‘The Crow’ finished filming.

October 22, 2021, 10:02AM
7 of 10

Brandon Lee Poses

Brandon Lee Poses
Lacy Atkins/AP/Shutterstock

Brandon Lee’s death was ruled an accident. His mother filed a civil suit against the production company over her son’s death. It was settled out of court. 

October 22, 2021, 10:02AM
8 of 10

Brandon Lee Kicks

Brandon Lee Kicks
Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock

Brandon Lee strikes a pose in a promo image for ‘Showdown In Little Tokyo.’ It’s heartbreaking to think of what heights this young man could have reached. 

October 22, 2021, 10:03AM
9 of 10

Lisa Hutton and Brandon Lee In 1992

Lisa Hutton and Brandon Lee In 1992
Berliner Studio/BEI/Shutterstock

Lisa Hutton and Brandon Lee attend the 1992 premiere of ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ in Los Angeles. The couple were going to marry shortly after ‘The Crow’ finished filming. 

October 22, 2021, 10:03AM
10 of 10

Brandon Lee In ‘The Crow’

Brandon Lee In ‘The Crow’
Pressman/Most/Kobal/Shutterstock

Brandon Lee in’The Crow.’ The production company finished the film and released it in 1994. The movie — and its soundtrack — became an iconic part of the 1990s. 

October 22, 2021, 10:02AM