Robert Baker's notable claim to fame within the realm of martial arts film enthusiasts lies in his portrayal of the formidable Russian strong man/martial artist, Petrov, in the cult classic Bruce Lee movie, Fist of Fury (1972),also known as The Chinese Connection or Fist of Fury.
As a student of Lee's distinctive martial art fighting style, Jeet Kune Do, Baker was handpicked by Bruce himself to take on the role of the menacing Russian due to his impressive height and rugged appearance, which perfectly captured the character's intimidating persona.
The pivotal fight sequence between Lee and Baker is a masterclass in both intense action and witty humor, as Lee resorts to biting Baker's leg to escape an arm lock, only to nonchalantly wipe his mouth as if savoring a meal. The fight further unfolds with Lee engaging in a flurry of punches, jabbing Baker repeatedly in the face while sporting a cheeky grin. The dramatic conclusion sees Lee deliver a devastating side kick to Baker's head, rendering him senseless, followed by a lethal karate chop to the windpipe, ultimately terminating Baker's larger opponent.
In addition to his notable role in Fist of Fury, Baker also appeared in a minor capacity as a thug in Lee's subsequent film, The Way of the Dragon (1972),also known as Way of the Dragon or Return of the Dragon. Furthermore, he has made appearances in various documentaries exploring the life and film career of the legendary Bruce Lee.
