History of Jackie Chan in Timeline
Jackie Chan, born Chan Kong-sang, is a highly influential Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and filmmaker. Renowned for his acrobatic fighting style, slapstick humor, comic timing, and daring stunts he performs himself, Chan has built a career spanning over six decades. He is considered one of cinema's most iconic and influential martial artists. His films have collectively grossed over $6 billion globally, solidifying his status as a major entertainment figure.
3 hours ago : Jackie Chan to film Armour of God IV: Ultimatum in Kazakhstan this summer.
Jackie Chan confirmed he will be filming Armour of God IV: Ultimatum in Kazakhstan this summer. He is also considered one of the greatest Kung Fu movie stars.
1937: Father's work as a secret agent
Circa 1937, Chan's father, originally named Fang Daolong, worked as a secret agent for Lieutenant General Dai Li in Kuomintang-ruled China.
April 1954: Birth of Chan Kong-sang
On April 1954, Chan Kong-sang, also known as Fang Shilong and professionally as Jackie Chan and Sing Lung, was born in Hong Kong.
April 1954: Birth in British Hong Kong
On April 7, 1954, Chan Kong-sang was born in British Hong Kong to Charles and Lee-lee Chan, political refugees from the Chinese Civil War.
1962: Appearance in Big and Little Wong Tin Bar
In 1962, at the age of eight, Jackie Chan appeared with some of his fellow "Little Fortunes" in the film 'Big and Little Wong Tin Bar'.
1964: Appearance in Liang Shan Po and Chu Ying Tai
In 1964, Jackie Chan appeared as an extra in Yen Chun's film 'Liang Shan Po and Chu Ying Tai'.
1966: Small role in Come Drink with Me
In 1966, Jackie Chan had a small role in King Hu's film 'Come Drink with Me'.
1971: Signed to Great Earth Film Company
In 1971, after appearing as an extra in the film 'A Touch of Zen', Jackie Chan was signed to Chu Mu's Great Earth Film Company.
1972: Appearance in Fist of Fury
In 1972, Jackie Chan appeared in the Bruce Lee film 'Fist of Fury' as an extra and stunt double.
1973: Appearance in Enter the Dragon
In 1973, Jackie Chan appeared in another Bruce Lee film, 'Enter the Dragon', as a minor henchman.
1974: Martial Arts Choreographer for The Young Dragons
In 1974, Jackie Chan worked as a martial arts choreographer for John Woo's 'The Young Dragons'.
1976: Offered role in a film directed by Lo Wei and renamed to Cheng Long
In 1976, Jackie Chan was offered an acting role in a film directed by Lo Wei after film producer Willie Chan had been impressed with Jackie's stunt choreography work. His stage name was changed to 成龍 to emphasize his similarity to Bruce Lee.
1978: Breakthrough with 'Snake in the Eagle's Shadow' and starring in 'Drunken Master'
In 1978, Jackie Chan had his breakthrough with the action comedy 'Snake in the Eagle's Shadow'. He then starred in similar action comedies such as 'Drunken Master'.
1979: Directorial Debut with 'The Fearless Hyena'
In 1979, Jackie Chan made his directorial debut with 'The Fearless Hyena', which achieved box office success.
1980: Release of 'The Young Master'
In 1980, Jackie Chan released 'The Young Master' which was successful in Japan.
1980: First Hollywood film, The Big Brawl
In 1980, Jackie Chan's first Hollywood film was 'The Big Brawl'.
1980: Experimenting with Stunt Action Sequences
In the early 1980s, Jackie Chan began experimenting with elaborate stunt action sequences in films such as The Young Master (1980).
1981: Minor role in The Cannonball Run
In 1981, Jackie Chan played a minor role in the film 'The Cannonball Run', which grossed over US$100 million worldwide.
1982: Release of 'Dragon Lord'
In 1982, Jackie Chan released 'Dragon Lord', experimented with stunts.
1982: Dragon Lord Fight Scene Record
In 1982, the film Dragon Lord featured a pyramid fight scene that set the record for the most takes required for a single scene, with 2900 takes.
1983: Formation of Jackie Chan Stunt Team with 'Project A'
In 1983, 'Project A' marked the official formation of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team and established Chan's signature style of elaborate, dangerous stunts combined with martial arts and slapstick humor.
1983: First co-starring role with opera school friends in Project A
In 1983, Jackie Chan co-starred for the first time with Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao in 'Project A', which introduced a dangerous stunt-driven style of martial arts.
1983: Established Jackie Chan Stunt Team
In 1983, Jackie Chan established the Jackie Chan Stunt Team to choreograph his films and utilize each member's specific abilities, ensuring safer and more elaborate stunts.
1983: Project A and Jackie Chan Stunt Team formation
In 1983, Jackie Chan's Project A saw the official formation of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team, adding elaborate and dangerous stunts to the fights and typical slapstick humor. At one point in Project A, Chan falls from the top of a clock tower through a series of fabric canopies.
1984: Starring in Wheels on Meals
In 1984, Jackie Chan further developed his signature style of elaborate, dangerous stunts combined with martial arts and slapstick humor in a more modern setting with 'Wheels on Meals'.
1984: Spartan X Arcade Game Release
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: Starring in Police Story
In 1985, Jackie Chan developed his signature style of elaborate, dangerous stunts combined with martial arts and slapstick humor with 'Police Story'.
1985: Made the first Police Story film
In 1985, Jackie Chan made the first 'Police Story' film, a crime action film in which Chan performed a number of dangerous stunts.
1985: Abandoning US market attempts after commercial failure of The Protector
In 1985, after the commercial failure of 'The Protector', Jackie Chan temporarily abandoned his attempts to break into the US market, returning his focus to Hong Kong films.
1985: Inspiration for Super Mario Bros.
In 1985, the arcade game Spartan X laid the foundations for the beat 'em up genre, and inspired other games including Super Mario Bros.
1986: Played Asian Hawk in Armour of God
In 1986, Jackie Chan played "Asian Hawk", an Indiana Jones-esque character, in the film 'Armour of God'.
1987: Inspiration for Street Fighter
In 1987, the arcade game Spartan X laid the foundations for the beat 'em up genre, and inspired other games including Street Fighter.
1988: Founded 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 victims of natural disasters.
1988: Starred in Dragons Forever
In 1988, Jackie Chan starred alongside Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao in the film 'Dragons Forever'.
1989: Performed at 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: Awarded MBE
In 1989, Jackie Chan was awarded the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
1989: Police Story 2 wins Best Action Choreography at the Hong Kong Film Awards
In 1989, Police Story 2 won the award for Best Action Choreography at the Hong Kong Film Awards.
1990: Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu Release
In 1990, Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu was released for the PC-Engine and Nintendo Entertainment System.
1993: Best Actor Award at the Golden Horse Film Festival
In 1993, Jackie Chan won the Best Actor Award at the Golden Horse Film Festival for Police Story 3: Super Cop.
1994: Reprised role as Wong Fei-hung in Drunken Master II
In 1994, Jackie Chan reprised his role as Wong Fei-hung in Drunken Master II, which was listed in Time Magazine's All-Time 100 Movies.
1995: Mainstream breakthrough with Rumble in the Bronx
In 1995, 'Rumble in the Bronx', which had a successful worldwide theatrical run, brought Jackie Chan into the North American mainstream.
1995: Jackie Chan The Kung-Fu Master Arcade Game
In 1995, Jackie Chan was featured in the arcade game Jackie Chan The Kung-Fu Master.
1995: Presented with Lifetime Achievement Award at MTV Movie Awards
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.
1998: Hollywood Success with Rush Hour
In 1998, Jackie Chan gained Hollywood success for portraying Chief Inspector Lee in the American buddy cop action comedy film 'Rush Hour'.
1999: Awarded Silver Bauhinia Star
In 1999, Jackie Chan was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star (SBS).
2000: Appearing in the Shanghai film series
In 2000, Jackie Chan appeared in the Shanghai film series.
2001: Inducted into Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame
In 2001, Jackie Chan was inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame.
2003: Appearing in the Shanghai film series
In 2003, Jackie Chan appeared in the Shanghai film series.
March 2004: Taiwanese Presidential Election Comments
During a news conference in Shanghai on March 28, 2004, Jackie Chan referred to the recently concluded 2004 Taiwanese presidential election as "the biggest joke in the world".
2004: Appearing in New Police Story
In 2004, Jackie Chan appeared in 'New Police Story'.
2004: Launch of Clothing Line
In 2004, Jackie Chan launched his own line of clothing, featuring a Chinese dragon logo and the initials "JC".
2004: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
In 2004, Jackie Chan was working as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, championing charitable works, conservation, and disaster relief.
2004: Film scholar Andrew Willis describes Chan as the most recognized star in the world
In 2004, film scholar Andrew Willis described Jackie Chan as perhaps "the most recognized star in the world."
2005: Participation in Hong Kong Disneyland Opening Ceremony
In 2005, when Hong Kong Disneyland opened, Jackie Chan participated in the opening ceremony.
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, inspired by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates.
2006: Appearing in Rob-B-Hood
In 2006, Jackie Chan appeared in 'Rob-B-Hood'.
2006: Played an Antihero in Rob-B-Hood
In 2006, Jackie Chan played an antihero for the first time in Rob-B-Hood as Thongs, a burglar with gambling problems.
March 2008: Launch of Jackie Chan Science Centre
On March 10, 2008, Jackie Chan was the guest of honour for the launch of the Jackie Chan Science Centre at the Australian National University.
June 2008: Protests 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: Olympics Torch Relay Stance
During the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Jackie Chan spoke out against demonstrators who disrupted the torch relay and warned that "publicity seekers" planning to stop him from carrying the Olympic Torch "not get anywhere near" him.
2008: Collaboration with Jet Li in The Forbidden Kingdom and Kung Fu Panda franchise
In 2008, 'The Forbidden Kingdom' marked Jackie Chan's first collaboration with Jet Li. Jackie Chan also started his voice acting in the Kung Fu Panda franchise.
April 2009: Comments on Freedom
On April 18, 2009, during a panel discussion at the annual Boao Forum for Asia, Jackie Chan questioned whether or not broad freedom is a good thing and suggested that "we Chinese need to be controlled."
2009: Played 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: Acting against type in Shinjuku Incident
In 2009, Jackie Chan played against type in 'Shinjuku Incident'.
2009: Anti-Drug Ambassador
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, Jackie Chan-Yaolai International Cinema opened, claimed to be the largest cinema complex in China.
2010: Jackie Chan Curse Urban Legend Reported
In 2010, ABC News reported on the urban legend called the Jackie Chan curse, stemming from allegedly defective endorsed products.
2010: Appearing in Little Big Soldier and The Karate Kid
In 2010, Jackie Chan appeared in 'Little Big Soldier' and 'The Karate Kid', where he played martial arts mentor Mr. Han.
2010: Brand Ambassador for Kaspersky Lab
In 2010, Jackie Chan served as brand ambassador for Kaspersky Lab's antivirus software in Asia.
April 2011: Artistes 311 Love Beyond Borders
On April 1, 2011, Jackie Chan headlined a charity concert titled Artistes 311 Love Beyond Borders to help with Japan's disaster recovery effort.
2011: Named one of the top 10 most charitable celebrities by Forbes
In 2011, Jackie Chan was named one of the top 10 most charitable celebrities by Forbes.
2011: Inspiration for The Raid: Redemption
In 2011, the Indonesian cinema film The Raid: Redemption 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 that demonstrators' rights should be limited. He also stated that the United States was the "most corrupt" country in the world.
2012: Guinness World Records for CZ12
In 2012, Jackie Chan earned two Guinness World Records for 'CZ12': "Most Stunts Performed by a Living Actor" and "Most Credits in One Movie".
June 2013: Responded to Death Hoax
On June 25, 2013, Jackie Chan responded to a hoax Facebook page that alleged he had died. He confirmed he was alive and well via a Facebook message.
November 2013: Unveiling of Statue
In November 2013, a statue of Jackie Chan was unveiled in front of what is now known as the JC Film Gallery.
2013: Member of the National Committee
In 2013, Jackie Chan began his service as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
2013: Served as Delegate to National Committee
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: Son's Arrest for Cannabis Use
In 2014, Jackie Chan's son Jaycee was arrested for cannabis use, leading Jackie Chan to express feelings of anger, shock, heartbreak, and shame. He urged young people to learn a lesson from Jaycee and stay away from drugs.
2014: Inspiration for Kingsman: The Secret Service
In 2014, the film Kingsman: The Secret Service took inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography.
2014: Opening of JC Film Gallery
In the spring of 2014, the JC Film Gallery opened in front of which a statue of Jackie Chan had been unveiled.
February 2015: Awarded Knight Commander of the Order of the Territorial Crown
On February 1, 2015, Jackie Chan was awarded the honor 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.
2015: "Duang" Viral Meme
In 2015, a made-up word, duang, inspired by Jackie Chan's description of his hair during an interview for a commercial, 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 the Panama Papers
In April 2016, Jackie Chan's name appeared in the Panama Papers, which revealed he had up to six offshore accounts, potentially as tax shelters.
2016: Voice acting in Kung Fu Panda franchise
In 2016, Jackie Chan continued his voice acting work in the Kung Fu Panda franchise.
2016: Partnership to Form Racing Team
In 2016, Jackie Chan partnered with David Cheng to form the racing team Baxi DC Racing Alpine.
2016: Honorary Academy Award and ranking by Forbes
In 2016, Jackie Chan received an honorary Academy Award. In 2016, Forbes ranked him the second-highest-paid actor in the world.
2016: California Fitness Failure Blamed on Curse
In 2016, the failure of fitness chain California Fitness was attributed to the urban legend known as 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: Acting in The Foreigner
In 2017, Jackie Chan played in 'The Foreigner'.
2017: Win at 24 Hours of Le Mans
In 2017, the Jackie Chan DC Racing team became the first Chinese team to win its class (LMP2) at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
2017: Inspiration for Atomic Blonde
In 2017, the film Atomic Blonde took inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography.
2018: Inspiration for Black Panther
In 2018, Marvel Cinematic Universe films such as Black Panther took inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography.
2019: Criticism of Hong Kong Protests
In 2019, Jackie Chan publicly criticized the Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests and expressed support for the National People's Congress decision on Hong Kong national security legislation.
2020: Wax Figure at Madame Tussauds New York
In 2020, a wax figure of Jackie Chan was revealed at Madame Tussauds New York.
2020: Inspiration for Birds of Prey and Extraction
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: Expressed Desire to Join Chinese Communist Party
By 2021, Jackie Chan expressed his desire to join the Chinese Communist Party, marking a shift from his pro-democratic stance in the late 1980s.
2021: Inspiration for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
In 2021, Marvel Cinematic Universe films such as Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings took inspiration from Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography.
2021: Evergrande Losses Following Promotion
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.
2022: Cited as Influence on 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 on the National Committee
In 2023, Jackie Chan concluded his second term as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
2023: Voice acting in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
In 2023, Jackie Chan did voice acting for 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem'.
2025: Appearing in The Shadow's Edge and Karate Kid: Legends
In 2025, Jackie Chan is scheduled to appear in 'The Shadow's Edge' and 'Karate Kid: Legends'.
2025: Awarded Honorary Black Belt by 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: Revealed ADHD Diagnosis
In January 2026, Jackie Chan revealed that he has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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