When Brandon Lee decided to follow in his iconic father’s footsteps and enter the movie business, the comparisons were going to be inevitable. Although he faced a serious uphill battle in trying to escape from the shadow of Bruce Lee, something countless actors in the martial arts genre have attempted and failed to do over the last five decades never mind his own son, there were definite signs that he was on the way to becoming a major star in his own right.
It helped that he inherited the good looks, charisma, screen presence and penchant for elaborate fight choreography, and after several bit parts, he finally caught his Hollywood break in Dolph Lundgren’s Showdown in Little Tokyo. The movie may have bombed at the box office, but it was clear that with a little more polishing, Brandon could become a second generation diamond.
His next effort was the sorely underrated 1992 actioner Rapid Fire, which was an ideal showcase for the leading man’s skill when it came to set pieces, humor and carrying an entire film on his back. Lee was in talks to return for a sequel during production of The Crow, but tragedy struck as he followed in his dad’s footsteps in the last way anyone was expecting.
During a routine stunt, he was shot by what was supposed to be blank ammunition, and ended up dying from his injuries at the age of just 28. The Crow was completed and went on to become a decent-sized box office hit and a genuine cult classic, with a planned reboot having remained stuck in development hell for well over a decade. Today would have marked Brandon Lee’s 56th birthday, but his performance as Eric Draven sees his legacy live on almost 28 years after his passing, as evidenced by the Tweets below.
For Brandon Lee’s Birthday today, I’ll go with The Crow
— Mark (@markbeleven) February 1, 2021
https://twitter.com/DreamsofFernweh/status/1356348124663439366
"It can't rain all the time"
Happy birthday @brandonlee 🖤🥀
📸: @galya_ef + @kolbaya#BrandonLee #EricDraven #MichaelNight #TheMichaelNightmareBeforeChristmas #MichaelDraven #TheCrow @ Detroit, Michigan https://t.co/uQmrkasudt
— Michael Night (@TheMichaelNight) February 1, 2021
Brandon Lee, son of martial arts legend, Bruce lee. (February 1, 1965 – March 31, 1993) This promising young actor and martial artist was tragically killed while filming his best film, The Crow. Other films include Legacy of Rage, Rapid Fire, & Showdown in Little Tokyo. pic.twitter.com/d6pkWyhD5T
— Dvd Daddy 🎥🎮🎸🎶 (@DVD_Daddy) February 1, 2021
https://twitter.com/Mozz81/status/1356345876000727042
Brandon Lee wouldve been 56 today, so sad #TheCrow pic.twitter.com/eoREFsn0YS
— Craig (@TattooedRocker) February 1, 2021
RIP Brandon Lee (1965-1993) The Crow was a awesome movie. Along with Rapid Fire and Showdown In Little Tokyo. pic.twitter.com/0L7Z7xzqXJ
— BigRob1987 (@Rob1987Big) February 1, 2021
Happy Birthday, Brandon Lee 🤍 pic.twitter.com/igdiOOf479
— CR 🦥 (@iluvvcarla) February 1, 2021
Today would have been Brandon Lee's 56th birthday and I now have a massive urge to watch The Crow again.
— Andrew ✌️ (@andycollie25) February 1, 2021
Happy Heavenly 56th Birthday to Brandon Lee
Son of Bruce Lee, he starred in The Crow in 1994 and appeared in Showdown in Little Tokyo in 1991.
He gained experience and training at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. He made his de… https://t.co/0Qp6FTfjDn pic.twitter.com/Z3SLEwzseN
— Arlene's Costumes (@ArlenesCostumes) February 1, 2021
https://twitter.com/jake_parkr/status/1356327679667142657
Happy Birthday Brandon Lee. Would have been 56 today. pic.twitter.com/XxS876Wn0R
— The Green Man🏈🏀⚾🇺🇲 🇬🇷 Heritage,Pro 🇮🇱 (@MadGreek216) February 1, 2021
Remembering Brandon Lee on his birthday today. He played the role of one of my favorite characters, Eric Draven. It was because of his portrayal and the film The Crow, my son was given his name, Draven Lee Gray. pic.twitter.com/nJx7huka8I
— Cellar_Dweller (@CellarDwel13r) February 1, 2021
https://twitter.com/mikiedgeposters/status/1356331633620770816
#BrandonLee would be 56 today. #HappyBirthday#TheCrow
A quick #Brush & #Ink I did in #Manila #Philippines pic.twitter.com/JaE651zVZC— David Mack (@davidmackkabuki) February 1, 2021
Tell us, have you been watching The Crow today like so many others to celebrate the actor’s work? If so, let us know in the usual place.
