Chinese American martial artist, actor, and filmmaker Bruce Lee (1940–1973) was the first Asian leading man in American film, captivating audiences with his skill, charisma, and screen presence and inspiring a generation of young fans. This stamp honors this legendary figure, whose legacy continues to shape global culture, leaving a lasting impact on everything from action cinema and popular music to the evolution of mixed martial arts.

The stamp artwork features Mak’s black-and-white painting of Lee executing his iconic move. Rendered in egg tempera on traditional gesso, the portrait is set against what Alcalá calls “a calligraphic, yellow brush stroke,” a reference to the iconic yellow tracksuit Lee wore in The Game of Death, which was completed and released years after his death. On the right side of the stamp, BRUCE LEE and USA FOREVER are printed vertically and angled to appear as if Lee’s kick were breaking them in half. This arrangement — with LEE and USA in bold — enhances the action, Alcalá says. “I think he would have appreciated the design.”