Bruce Lee's appearance on "The Green Hornet" lasted merely one season. His prominent role on the series led to a series of guest appearances on other US television programs, including Longstreet, starring James Franciscus. Deciding that he wanted a bigger part in motion pictures, Bruce tried to break into the leading man role in the US. The studios would not give him his chance, so Bruce decided to fly to Hong Kong. It was in his home town that Bruce Lee was idolized as a hero by the public at large.

His role in "The Green Hornet" was extremely popular in Hong Kong. In fact, the show was retitled "Kato" for Hong Kong television. In July 1971, Bruce left for Bangkok to film what would be his first movie: "The Big Boss". The movie broke all box office records in Hong Kong. Subsequently, he followed up with other movies, each more popular than the last: "Fists of Fury" followed by "Way of the Dragon".

Bruce Lee was now being noticed by Hollywood. In what would be the first collaboration between Hong Kong and US film production teams, filming of "Enter the Dragon" commenced in 1972. It would propel Bruce Lee from Asian star to international icon.

On July 20, 1973, just three weeks prior to the release of "Enter the Dragon" in the United States, Bruce Lee suddenly died. Rumors of foul play abounded, but the doctor's official verdict revealed cerebral edema to be the cause of his death. Though he never lived to receive his world-wide acceptance and fame, his influence and impact in both martial arts and cinema will never be forgotten.