Forty-one-year-old NBA legend Kobe Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash on Sunday morning. Not only did he leave behind an incomparable basketball legacy, but he left his mark within the film, book and business world. He also proved to be a regular do-gooder. Here are just seven of the ways the late star shined on and off of the court. 

1. He was an Oscar winner.

Not only did he win an Oscar, but he made history. In March 2018, Bryant became the first Black person to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Short. He received the honor for Dear Basketball, a short film based on a poem he wrote about his retirement from the NBA in 2015, per Yahoo. Bryant used his speech to push back against a commonly held opinion of basketball players.

"I mean, as basketball players, we're really supposed to shut up and dribble. I'm glad we do a little bit more than that," said Bryant.

A week after the festivities, Bryant was still high off his win.

"This is not supposed to happen,” he told Jimmy Kimmel. “I’m supposed to play basketball, not write something that wins an Oscar.”

2. He also mused about diversifying the animation industry.

"Now there’s a greater sense of responsibility. How do I provide more opportunities for even more diverse and new voices to be heard in this industry?” he continued. “In the animation business, there’s a serious lack of diversity.”

3. He was a businessman.

Bryant launched a $100 million venture fund, Bryant Stibel, with Jeff Stibel shortly after retiring, as Blavity previously reported. The fund was dedicated to investing in media, tech and data companies. 

4. He was a bestselling author.

After he retired from the NBA, Bryant got in touch with his creative side. In addition to his aforementioned film, he founded Granity Studios, the company responsible for distributing content directed at young adults. He collaborated with author Wesley King to create the bestselling Wizenard Series. The latest book in the series will be released in March. Bryant also authored The Mamba Mentality: How I Play, which went on to be a New York Times bestseller.

Entering the publishing industry was a smooth transition for the retired baller.

“Luckily, storytelling has always been an interest of mine, so the transition was an exciting one,” he told Parade. “I’m being challenged in a completely new way and have really loved the opportunity to exercise my creative muscles.”

5. He was multilingual.

The lingual switch up was real at a press conference where Bryant fluctuated between English, Italian and Spanish while talking to reporters. 

6. He cared. 

Bryant has been seen doing countless good deeds, including helping car crash victims…twice.

A month ago, Kobe stayed on the scene of a major accident in Newport Beach to assist victims and redirect traffic until help arrived.

 

He even gave a shoutout to a fan's mother who'd been diagnosed with cancer. 

 

7. He loved the kids — and not just his own. 

In addition to random acts of kindness, Bryant regularly gave back. He granted the wishes of at least 200 children through the Make-A-Wish foundation and did several surprise pop-up visits with other young fans, including with an NCAA champ. While on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Notre Dame athlete Arike Ogunbowale, who idolized the basketball star, was surprised by the legend. 

In addition to leaving an indelible mark within and outside of the sports realm, Bryant leaves behind his wife Vanessa Laine Bryant and three kids. 

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