China state television has started shooting a 40-part television series about U.S.-born kungfu icon Bruce Lee, Xinhua news agency said on Tuesday.

"The Legend of Bruce Lee," with a budget of just $6.4 million, started production at the weekend in the southern province of Guangdong.

Lee made 46 kungfu movies and brought Hong Kong move making to the world's attention. He died at age 32 in 1973, while starring in and directing "Game of Death" in Hong Kong.

Chan Kwok-kwan, who plays Lee in the TV series, said he had mixed feelings about playing the role of an icon.

"I'm nervous and also excited, but I will do my best," Xinhua quoted him as saying.