Amongst martial arts film fans, Robert Baker's claim to fame was
portraying the Russian strong man / martial artist named "Petrov" in
the cult
Bruce Lee movie
Fist of Fury (1972) (aka "The Chinese Connection" aka "Fist
of Fury"). Baker was a student in Lee's martial art fighting style
(Jeet Kune Do) and was recruited by Bruce, to play the role of the
sinister Russian due to his height and "tough guy" appearance.
The key fight sequence between Lee and Baker is a mixture of punishing
action and dry humor, as at one point Lee bites Baker on his leg to
escape an arm lock (and then Lee wipes his mouth just like he was
simply finishing a meal), plus Lee boxes with Baker, jabbing him
repeatedly in the face whilst wearing a cheeky grin! The fight comes to
a dramatic conclusion as Lee side kicks Baker in the head, knocking him
senseless, and then Lee delivers a lethal karate chop to Baker's
windpipe, terminating his bigger opponent.
Baker also had a minor role as a thug in Lee's next film
The Way of the Dragon (1972) (aka
"Way of the Dragon" aka "Return of the Dragon"), and he has
additionally appeared in several documentaries regarding the life and
film career of
Bruce Lee.
Shuang long gu(1974)
The Way of the Dragon(1972)as Thug
Fist of Fury(1972)as Petrov
The Path of the Dragon(1998)as Self
Bruce Lee, the Legend(1984)as Self
Bruce Lee: The Way of the Warrior(2022)as Petrov
I Am Bruce Lee(2012)as Petrov (segment Fist of Fury)
Fights of Fury(2004)as Self
Reflections on 'the Little Dragon'(2001)as Petrov (segment Fist of Fury)
Bruce Lee: Legacy of the Dragon(2001)as Petrov