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Brandon in 1992.

 

 

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions                      

These are some questions we frequently get asked. More questions will be added. If you have a a question to ask, please email us.

Was it true Brandon was signed to appear in Mortal Kombat?

This rumor and question still continues to persist. There is no factual evidence to support claims that he was contracted to appear in Mortal Kombat.  I first read the rumor on a fan website around 1996, but I have found no evidence to support the rumor.  I would like to point out to people the obvious truth -  that just because a rumor is heard does not make it true (no matter how many times it gets spread around). The film was made in 1995, but again there has never been proof that Brandon was ever signed to appear in it. The casting for the film was not done until after his death, so it remains fiction that Brandon was to appear it in. There is also some doubt that Brandon ever read any script associated with it. Brandon had not committed to any movie after The Crow, although he was in talks and considering some mainstream film roles that were not so action orientated. Directly after The Crow, he was to be married and then take an extended break to spend time with Eliza and their plans to start a family. In the Summer of 1993, he was to began acting in a play in L.A titled "In Doubt."

Could Brandon Lee have been Murdered?

I have been emailed this question so many times I think I have lost count. While there is always a possibility to anything,  there is no factual evidence to support that Brandon’s death was intentional or what is termed as foul play in any way, shape or form.

There are some fans who have a tendency to shout murder without properly understanding the definition or even have read the detailed information on his death. It’s important to read factual accounts about the negligence that occurred, which by definition is "an unintentional act that causes the death or injury of another party. " Asian mafia stories, and far fling theories like them are ridiculous, and have no factual basis at all. Sometimes it is difficult for people to accept that those in the public are not more immortal than any of us. Accidents, illness and eventually death will follow us all one day. If you choose to believe that it was not an accident, you should have some factual basis for your opinion besides ‘his father died and so did he.’ News flash: Brandon’s father Bruce died of natural causes – well as natural as it can be when you have a blood vessel in your brain awaiting to explode. It’s illogical and irrational to connect a natural death, explained by science, and biology with a death that was completely un-natural but was still an accident. In my opinion, while Brandon’s death wasn’t intentional and was not murder, there was a miscarriage of justice in his death, even though there was a investigation into the death that termed that there was no charges that could be filed according to the laws of the state. If you are having significant problems with dealing with Brandon’s death, please consult a registered psychologist or counsellor in your area.

What happened to Eliza Hutton and why don’t we hear about her?

This is probably the most frequently asked question I get emailed. Eliza has closely guarded  both her personal life, and her private memories of Brandon. The obvious reason why you don't hear about her is that she lives a normal life, does not live a public life, and has worked hard to maintain the privacy she has. I have not been surprised that she never has publicly commented on Brandon’s death, but truthfully that is the way Brandon probably would have preferred it. Brandon and Eliza were a private couple, and did not have public lives, so it's illogical to assume that suddenly she would pour her heart out to strangers. Given that many so called "fans" seem still this day to be jealous (so much so that they trash her no matter what) of her because of who she was to Brandon, therefore I can't say that I blame her. I think keeping her grief to herself showed a lot of strength of character, as well as dignity. She was/is by all accounts a very reserved, and private person. She was not comfortable in being in the limelight at all, even before Brandon's death, however, she did unconditionally support Brandon in his career and ambitions. Brandon too was very private about his personal life, and guarded his own memories of his father in much the same way.  Fans also have to understand that Brandon and Eliza had a very close and tight bond, and if any of us had lost our partner, best friend and soul mate in the same fashion, I doubt we would be jumping up and down and wanting to reveal all Brandon's deep and dark secrets. She went through a very difficult time, as did Brandon's closest friends and family - many whom never have spoken in great depth of it either, because of the same reasons.

As far as what has she been up to: Briefly Eliza returned to casting work and did the extras casting for the 1999 independent film Dill Scallion. Since then her name has appeared in link with several L.A children’s charities like Hollygrove, which is a "child-centered, family-focused community organization serving abused and neglected children and those at risk of abuse." She has been reported to be working in  the field social welfare research, but as yet I cannot confirm the validity of that claim.

In the last few years, Eliza has found happiness again, and is now married (as of 2003 it is claimed) and still lives in the L.A area. A large part of her heart, no doubt will always be reserved for Brandon, and for the kind of true love they shared. However, Brandon  would have wanted Eliza to move on with her life, and move past her grief, which she has done, as well as Brandon's immediate family.

For more information on the pair, go here.

Is it true that Brandon Owned a Hearse? 

Yes. Brandon brought a 1971 hearse that was made especially for the film Harold and Maude. Shortly after returned back to the U.S from Hong Kong in 1987. He brought the car from a private owner in Texas. He sold the car in 1991.

 Did Brandon have any kids?

 No, Brandon did not have any children. He and Eliza were planning to start a family immediately after they married, but unfortunately fate intervened.

 Did Brandon say any last words before he died. I heard he asked for his girlfriend?

The evidence seems to support a big fat NO to this question. Brandon lost consciousness very quickly after he was shot and fell into a coma. And from reports of those who witnessed it, he didn't make much of a noise when he was shot. Although it was widely reported when he died that he yell for "cut", those who witnessed the shooting actually claim that he was shot and just fell down, moaned a little, and then had his eyes opened for a time before going into shock. The impact of the shot  it is assumed to have knocked the wind out of him, which then would of made it impossible for him to speak.

Where is he buried?

Brandon is buried besides his father at Lake View Cemetery located in Seattle, Washington.

Did Brandon go to college?

He attended one year at Emerson College in Boston.

What Color were Brandon's eyes?

Brandon's eyes were gray/grey.

Is Brandon's death footage in The Crow?

No, the actual film was destroyed without being developed. The video playback footage was confiscated by Wilmington Police, and later destroyed along with the actual film when it was deemed that it had no information that could shed light on the bullet. This site has some very good information about his death, and the false rumors about the footage: http://www.snopes.com/movies/actors/brandonlee.asp

Why were no criminal charges filed against those responsible for his death?

For criminal negligent charges to have been filed it first had to match the legal definitions of criminal negligence, which it was found not to be the case. Not checking a gun, and even making your own dummy bullets is not actually against the law in North Carolina, so any accidental death caused by negligence has to fit the legal definition of criminal negligence, otherwise it goes to a civil court. Had the set been a union set, the death never would of happened.

There were charges filed in regards to the breeching of safety regulations and occupation heath & safety on the set, but such charges are not felonies.

The D.A found that what happened did not fit the LEGAL definition of criminal negligence, and that is why no charges were brought in a criminal court. After that, the Lee family issued a law suit through the civil courts against ALL those that contributed to the negligence that led to Brandon's death (which there were many people named), and they then settled out of court, which often happens in civil matters, so the amount is not publicly filed. By settling out of court, no guilty parties have to admit to any wrong doing by law, and all parties are not able to discuss it publicly, either.

What guitar did Brandon use in The Crow?

Brandon had a few guitars that were used on set. One of them was an Ibanez, which you will see in the flashback scenes of Eric playing his guitar. There was another one that was used in the film, in the scene that Eric smashed his guitar, and this guitar was a Fender Strat. The smashed guitar is on display at The Hard Rock Cafe in Universal City, California.  There also was the guitar that Brandon brought and used to learn guitar on. This guitar was not known to have been filmed in the movie, but was given to Brandon's teacher J.K. Loftin after Brandon's death by Eliza. Loftin has since sold the guitar to a private collector. A fan made this informative site about the guitars used in the film, so check it out: http://montyjay.com/crow.html

Was Eliza's wedding dress used as Shelly Webster's wedding dress in the film?

This is an old rumor and one that has absolutely no truth to it. Eliza Hutton's wedding dress was quite different, and besides the fact that Hutton and Sofia Shinas were of different heights and body types, no woman would seriously allow another woman to wear her dress before the big day. Therefore, It is not Eliza's wedding dress shown in the film. Eliza's wedding dress was safely in L.A while the filming was taking place.

Did Eliza Hutton wear her wedding dress to Brandon's funeral?

No, Eliza wore her wedding dress to Brandon's memorial service, which was held a day after his funeral, in L.A.

How much weight did Brandon lose for his role in The Crow?

It is reported it was 20 pounds.

Is it true Brandon refused to wear a bullet proof the night he was killed?

The creditable information available suggests that this is not true, but it sure has been a popular rumour over the years. There are several reasons why people have been confused about this one, here are some of them:

1. The original script called for Brandon's character to be stabbed, then shot, fall to the ground and then shot again, before being tossed out the window. As was often the case on the set, last minute changes were made by screenwriter David Schow, and director Alex Proyas.

2. Sofia Shinas, who played Shelly in the film recalled her character initially been nominated to be shot that night, and then it changed twice. She had been instructed to put on the bullet proof vest and then when she was told that Brandon was going to be shot, and then was instructed to hand it to Brandon. Shinas allegedly claimed after the accident to Jeff Most (who was not on set when the accident occurred, and in fact had been banned from the set weeks before) that she overheard (so was not privy to the conversation) Brandon refusing to wear the vest, and later claiming that he said in response that 'when it's your time to go, it's your time to go.' It should be noted that Shinas's version of events has been disputed to a degree by others. Possibly there was some misunderstanding in the confusion of that night, or some people just remember things differently. Certainly no two people will ever have the same interpretation of events, or perspective, so some aspects of any statement can have a level of truth to it, or they may not. However, those that knew Brandon very well and had worked with him a lot longer than two weeks, have vehemently opposed any claim that Brandon was reckless with his safety, and this seems supported by Brandon's own statements about on-set safety. Therefore, It seems unlikely (and factually inaccurate) that in a small costume trailer that one person can say something, and not be overheard by all but one person. While many of those who were close say that Brandon did sometimes have a very dry sense of humor, such statements that he intentionally denied wearing a vest for the sake of vanity or another reason, seem very unlikely and would of been completely out of character. Therefore, it is not factually supportive by evidence or creditable witness accounts.

3. Furthermore, The claim from Most (who had been told a version of events of the night by Shinas) has been rebutted by several crew members (including Costume Supervisor Darryl Levine, Lance Anderson and Jeff Imada) who were present at the time Brandon was supposed to have said that he didn't want to wear the vest, stating that they never heard him say that. Imada what's more stated that Brandon was someone that would not have gambled with his life for a stunt. He knew the procedures for action scenes, and trusted in the direction from the stunt team. He previously had wore bullet proof vest for scenes that required it, so it seems factually inconsistent with the work and safety ethic of Brandon Lee to suddenly refuse to wear a piece of safety equipment if it was needed. Lastly, Jeff Imada is/was a very experienced stunt coordinator on action films, and who would never have placed Brandon in a position where his personal safety was at danger. Imada and Lee were best friends. Therefore, the bullet proof vest rumors seems to have no factual basis to it.

4. Jeff Imada was the stunt coordinator on the film, and part of his responsibility was to ensure that the action scenes run smooth. Imada (a Hollywood veteran and a very high regarded and respect stunt coordinator) said that bullet proof vests were only required when guns are directly fired at a person in order to activate the squibs that are planted on an actor during a shooting scene. Brandon previously had shot a scene in the boardroom, where he was shot up to 100 times. In that case, Brandon was directly wearing squibs on his body. Squibs are small explosive charges, which generally are used with a bag of fake blood to simulate a gun wound. However, on the night of the shooting, Brandon was not fitted with squibs to his body, instead they were placed in the grocery bag that his character is carrying. Therefore, Brandon was not required to wear a bullet proof vest. Imada and Darryl Levine also recall that the gun fired at Brandon was not only directed to be fired away from Brandon, but it was from 15 feet away,  and which is a safe distance, which actors are not required to wear vests from such distances. Imada also states that the gun was never suppose to aimed directly at Brandon, and he was overheard by several crew members giving Michael Massee specific instructions on where to fire the gun (off the wall, away from where Brandon was standing) and in what direction. However, for whatever reason, whether it be forgetfulness, or misunderstanding, Massee ignored Imada's instructions and fired directly at Brandon.

Did Brandon ever say 'The Key to immortality is living a life worth remembering' or 'Immortality is to live your life doing good things, and living your mark behind' ?

No. It is rather ironic that sayings Brandon is connected with he never said or knew about in his lifetime. When Brandon died, the film based on his father's life Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story was due to be released. The film's director , Rob Cohen decided to include a dedication to Brandon at the end of the film and asked his mother, Linda if she had one in mind. After no suggestions were given, Cohen asked her what she thought of the St Augustine quote "The Key to Immortality is Living a Life Worthing Remembering", and she thought it was perfect. Brandon never said it or does any evidence to suggest he had heard of the quote while alive. Linda Lee Cadwell used the quote and had it engraved on a bench that was placed at the graves of Bruce and Brandon Lee in 1995. There is also no evidence that Brandon had said or heard of the second quote, although many fans have placed it on their banners and pages - he never said it. It seems to be a variation of the St Augustine quote, but once again Brandon did not say it - therefore you cannot accurately quote him for saying something he never did. 

 

 

News/Updates...                               

7.08.08 - Added more questions to the FAQ.

2.26.08 - Added more questions to the FAQ.

1.21.08 - Added more questions to the FAQ.

1.11.08 - Added more questions to the FAQ.

2.14.07 - I added a few questions. More to come.

 

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