History of Jackie Chan in Timeline
Jackie Chan, born Fang Shilong, is a Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and filmmaker. He's celebrated for his acrobatic fighting style, slapstick comedy, and innovative stunt work, which he famously performs himself. His film career spans over six decades, establishing him as an iconic and influential figure in martial arts cinema. Chan's films have collectively grossed over $6 billion globally, underscoring his widespread appeal and box-office success.
5 hours ago : Jackie Chan's Reflections on Originality and Career as He Celebrates His 72nd Birthday
Jackie Chan, celebrating his 72nd birthday, emphasizes originality, not being 'the next Bruce Lee,' and highlights life's decisions based on character. His film journey is also celebrated.
1980: Experimentation with elaborate stunt action sequences
In the early 1980s, specifically 1980, Jackie Chan began experimenting with elaborate stunt action sequences in films such as The Young Master.
1982: Dragon Lord featuring a pyramid fight scene
In 1982, Jackie Chan's Dragon Lord featured a pyramid fight scene that holds the record for the most takes required for a single scene, with 2900 takes. The final fight scene included various stunts.
1983: Establishment of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team
In 1983, Jackie Chan established the Jackie Chan Stunt Team. Chan has used the team in all his subsequent films to make choreographing easier.
1983: Formation of Jackie Chan Stunt Team in Project A
In 1983, Project A saw the official formation of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team, and added elaborate, dangerous stunts to the fights and typical slapstick humor; at one point, Chan falls from the top of a clock tower through a series of fabric canopies.
1984: Spartan X arcade game released
In 1984, Jackie Chan's film Wheels on Meals (called Spartan X in Japan) spawned the hit beat 'em up arcade game Spartan X (released as Kung-Fu Master in Western markets).
1985: Release of Police Story
In 1985, Police Story was released, containing many large-scale action scenes, including a car chase through a shanty town, Chan stopping a double-decker bus with his service revolver and a climactic fight scene in a shopping mall. During a stunt, Chan suffered second-degree burns, a back injury, and dislocation of his pelvis.
1985: Super Mario Bros. inspired by Spartan X
In 1985, Super Mario Bros. was inspired by the arcade game Spartan X.
1987: Street Fighter inspired by Spartan X
In 1987, Street Fighter was inspired by the arcade game Spartan X.
1988: Establishment of Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation
In 1988, Jackie Chan founded the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation to offer scholarships and aid to young people in Hong Kong and provide assistance to victims of natural disasters or illness.
1989: Chan performs at the Concert for Democracy in China
In 1989, Jackie Chan performed at the Concert for Democracy in China in support of democratic movement during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.
1989: Jackie Chan awarded Order of the British Empire (MBE)
In 1989, Jackie Chan was awarded the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
1990: Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu released
In 1990, Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu was released for the PC-Engine and Nintendo Entertainment System.
1995: Jackie Chan featured in arcade game Jackie Chan The Kung-Fu Master
In 1995, Jackie Chan was featured in the arcade game Jackie Chan The Kung-Fu Master.
1995: Quentin Tarantino presents Lifetime Achievement Award to Jackie Chan
In 1995, Quentin Tarantino presented Jackie Chan with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the MTV Movie Awards, describing him as one of the best filmmakers and physical comedians.
January 1999: Birth of Etta Ng Chok Lam and Affair Revelation
In January 1999, Jackie Chan's extramarital affair with Elaine Ng Yi-Lei resulted in the birth of their daughter, Etta Ng Chok Lam. Shortly before Etta's birth, Elaine publicly revealed Jackie Chan as the father, causing a scandal.
1999: Jackie Chan awarded Silver Bauhinia Star (SBS)
In 1999, Jackie Chan was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star (SBS).
2001: Jackie Chan inducted into Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame
In 2001, Jackie Chan was inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame.
2002: Elaine Ng moves to Shanghai
In 2002, Elaine Ng, Jackie Chan's former mistress, moved from Hong Kong to Shanghai with their daughter, Etta Ng Chok Lam. The mother and daughter gained media attention due to financial difficulties, familial conflicts, and mental health challenges.
March 2004: Chan refers to Taiwanese presidential election as 'the biggest joke in the world'
During a news conference in Shanghai on 28 March 2004, Jackie Chan referred to the recently concluded 2004 Taiwanese presidential election as "the biggest joke in the world".
2004: Campaigning for Conservation and Disaster Relief
In 2004, Jackie Chan campaigned for conservation and against animal abuse and promoted disaster relief efforts for floods in mainland China and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
2004: Launch of Clothing Line
In 2004, Jackie Chan launched his own line of clothing, which features a Chinese dragon logo and the word "Jackie" or the initials "JC".
2004: Jackie Chan stars in New Police Story
In 2004, Jackie Chan starred in New Police Story, portraying a character suffering from alcoholism and mourning his murdered colleagues.
2005: Chan participates in the opening ceremony of Hong Kong Disneyland
In 2005, Jackie Chan participated in the opening ceremony of Hong Kong Disneyland.
June 2006: Pledge to Donate Assets to Charity
In June 2006, Jackie Chan pledged to donate half of his assets to charity upon his death, citing his admiration of Warren Buffett and Bill Gates.
2006: Jackie Chan plays an antihero for the first time in Rob-B-Hood
In 2006, Jackie Chan played an antihero for the first time in Rob-B-Hood, starring as Thongs, a burglar with gambling problems.
March 2008: Launch of Jackie Chan Science Centre
On 10 March 2008, Jackie Chan was the guest of honour for the launch of the Jackie Chan Science Centre at the John Curtin School of Medical Research of the Australian National University.
June 2008: Protests against Chan at Taipei airport
In June 2008, police and security personnel separated Jackie Chan from scores of protesters shouting "Jackie Chan, get out" when he arrived at Taipei airport.
2008: Chan speaks out against demonstrators disrupting the Olympic torch relay
Referring to his participation in the torch relay for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Jackie Chan spoke out against demonstrators who disrupted the relay several times attempting to draw attention to grievances against the Chinese government.
2009: Chan plays a low-level gangster in Shinjuku Incident
In 2009, Jackie Chan played a low-level gangster in Shinjuku Incident, a serious drama set in Tokyo about unsavory characters.
2009: Chan named "anti-drug ambassador" by Chinese government
In 2009, Jackie Chan was named an "anti-drug ambassador" by the Chinese government, actively taking part in anti-drug campaigns.
February 2010: Opening of Jackie Chan-Yaolai International Cinema
In February 2010, the first Jackie Chan-Yaolai International Cinema opened, claimed to be the largest cinema complex in China, with 17 screens and 3,500 seats, with plans for further expansion.
2010: Brand Ambassador for Kaspersky Lab
In 2010, Jackie Chan served as a brand ambassador for Kaspersky Lab's antivirus software in Asia.
2010: Jackie Chan Curse Originates
In 2010, the Jackie Chan curse gained traction due to defective products endorsed by Jackie Chan in China, leading to the belief that his endorsements bring setbacks.
2011: Expansion of Dragon's Heart Foundation to Europe
In 2011, the Dragon's Heart Foundation, founded by Jackie Chan, expanded its reach to Europe.
2011: The Raid: Redemption takes inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences
In 2011, the film The Raid: Redemption from Indonesian cinema took inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography.
December 2012: Criticism of Hong Kong and the United States
In December 2012, Jackie Chan criticized Hong Kong as a "city of protest" and suggested limiting demonstrators' rights. He also stated that the United States was the "most corrupt" country, which angered parts of the online community.
June 2013: Chan responds to death hoax on Facebook
On 25 June 2013, Jackie Chan responded to a hoax Facebook page created a few days earlier that alleged he had died. He clarified that he was alive and well.
November 2013: Statue of Chan unveiled in front of JC Film Gallery
In November 2013, a statue of Jackie Chan was unveiled in front of what is now known as the JC Film Gallery.
2013: Appointment to the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
In 2013, Jackie Chan was appointed as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, representing the "Literature and Arts" sector.
2013: Chan becomes a pro-China politician
Since 2013, Jackie Chan has been a pro-China politician, having served two terms as a delegate to the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's political advisory body.
2014: Kingsman: The Secret Service takes inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences
In 2014, the film Kingsman: The Secret Service took inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography.
2014: Chan reacts to his son's arrest for cannabis use
In 2014, when his own son Jaycee was arrested for cannabis use, Jackie Chan expressed his feelings of anger, shock, heartbreak, and shame. He hoped young people would learn a lesson from Jaycee.
2014: Opening of JC Film Gallery
In the spring of 2014, the JC Film Gallery opened.
February 2015: Chan awarded Knight Commander of the Order of the Territorial Crown by Malaysia
On 1 February 2015, Jackie Chan was awarded the honour of Knight Commander of the Order of the Territorial Crown by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia Tuanku Abdul Halim in conjunction with the country's Federal Territory Day. It carries the title of Datuk in Malaysia.
March 2015: Meeting with David Cheng
In March 2015, Jackie Chan met with Asian Le Mans Series champion David Cheng and discussed his interest in motorsports, raising the possibility of starting a team.
2015: Duang becomes an internet meme
In 2015, a made-up word inspired by Chan's description of his hair during an interview for a commercial, duang, became an internet viral meme particularly in China. The Chinese character for the word is a composite of two characters of Chan's name.
April 2016: Named in Panama Papers
In April 2016, Jackie Chan was named in the Panama Papers for having up to six different offshore accounts, likely for tax shelters, though he was not accused of any illegal activity.
2016: Formation of Jackie Chan DC Racing Team
In 2016, Jackie Chan partnered with David Cheng to form a racing team, Jackie Chan DC Racing, which competed in the Asian Le Mans Series and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
2016: Jackie Chan Curse Blamed for California Fitness Failure
In 2016, the failure of the fitness chain California Fitness was attributed to the "Jackie Chan curse".
January 2017: Donation to Flood Victims in Thailand
In January 2017, Jackie Chan donated $65,000 to help flood victims in Thailand.
2017: Jackie Chan DC Racing Wins at Le Mans
In 2017, Jackie Chan DC Racing became the first Chinese team to win its class (LMP2) at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
2017: Chan refuses to provide assistance to his daughter
In 2017, Jackie Chan reportedly refused to provide financial assistance to his daughter Etta Ng Chok Lam, according to her lawyer. In 2017, when asked about her coming out as lesbian, he replied: "As long as she's happy."
2017: Atomic Blonde takes inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences
In 2017, the film Atomic Blonde took inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography.
2018: Black Panther takes inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences
In 2018, the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Black Panther took inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography.
2019: Criticism of Hong Kong Anti-Extradition Bill Protests
In 2019, Jackie Chan criticized the Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests and supported the National People's Congress decision on Hong Kong national security legislation.
2020: Wax figure of Jackie Chan revealed at Madame Tussauds New York
In 2020, a wax figure of Jackie Chan was revealed at Madame Tussauds New York.
2020: Birds of Prey and Extraction take inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences
In 2020, the DC Extended Universe film Birds of Prey and the Netflix film Extraction took inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography.
2021: Chan expresses desire to join the Chinese Communist Party
By 2021, in contrast to his earlier pro-democratic stance, Jackie Chan expressed his desire to join the Chinese Communist Party.
2021: Jackie Chan Curse Invoked After Evergrande Losses
In 2021, the "Jackie Chan curse" was again invoked when Evergrande Group suffered major losses following Chan's promotion of Evergrande Spring brand bottled water.
2021: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings takes inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences
In 2021, the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings took inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography.
2022: Tom Holland cites Chan as an influence on action scenes in Uncharted
In 2022, Tom Holland cited Jackie Chan as an influence on several action scenes in Uncharted, noting Chan's use of his surroundings to fight people in unique ways.
2023: End of term at the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
In 2023, Jackie Chan completed his second term as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, representing the "Literature and Arts" sector.
2025: Jackie Chan awarded honorary black belt by the World Karate Federation
In 2025, Jackie Chan was awarded an honorary black belt by the World Karate Federation, along with his Karate Kid: Legends co-star Ralph Macchio during the film's New York premiere.
January 2026: Chan reveals he has ADHD
In January 2026, Jackie Chan revealed that he has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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