Childhood and Education Journey of Jackie Chan in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Jackie Chan. A timeline of key moments.

Jackie Chan, born Fang Shilong, is a highly influential Hong Kong actor, filmmaker, martial artist, and stuntman. Renowned for his acrobatic fighting style, slapstick comedy, and daring stunts performed without doubles, he gained international recognition for his unique on-screen persona. Chan's career started at the Peking Opera School, where he honed his martial arts and acting skills as one of the Seven Little Fortunes. With a filmography spanning over 150 movies across six decades, he is considered a cinematic icon and one of the most important martial artists in film history.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1988: Founding of Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation

In 1988, Jackie Chan founded the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation to offer scholarships and aid to Hong Kong's young people, as well as provide assistance to victims of natural disasters or illnesses.

1989: Performance 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.

2004: Launch of Clothing Line

In 2004, Jackie Chan launched his own line of clothing, which features a Chinese dragon logo and the English word "Jackie", or the initials "JC". He also owns other branded businesses, with a percentage of the profits going to various charities, including the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation.

2004: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and Charitable Work

In 2004, Jackie Chan was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and has championed charitable works and causes. He has campaigned for conservation and against animal abuse, and has promoted disaster relief efforts for floods in mainland China and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

2005: Creation of Dragon's Heart Foundation

In 2005, Jackie Chan created the Dragon's Heart Foundation to help children and the elderly in remote areas of China by building schools and providing for their needs.

June 2006: Pledge to Donate Half of Assets to Charity

In June 2006, Jackie Chan pledged to donate half of his assets to charity upon his death, citing his admiration for the philanthropic efforts of Warren Buffett and Bill Gates.

March 2008: Guest of Honour at Jackie Chan Science Centre Launch

On 10 March 2008, Jackie Chan was the guest of honour at the launch of the Jackie Chan Science Centre at the John Curtin School of Medical Research of the Australian National University by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

February 2010: Opening of Jackie Chan-Yaolai International Cinema

In February 2010, the first Jackie Chan-Yaolai International Cinema opened in China. Co-run by Hong Kong company Sparkle Roll Group Ltd, it was claimed to be the largest cinema complex in China with 17 screens and 3,500 seats. Chan hoped the venue's size would allow young, non-commercial directors to screen their films. Fifteen further cinemas were planned for 2010.

2010: Origin of the Jackie Chan Curse Urban Legend

In 2010, ABC News reported on the origin of the urban legend known as the Jackie Chan curse, which suggests that products endorsed by Jackie Chan are prone to being defective.

2010: Brand Ambassador for Kaspersky Lab

In 2010, Jackie Chan served as a brand ambassador for Kaspersky Lab's antivirus software in Asia.

April 2011: Headlining Charity Concert for Japan Disaster Relief

In April 2011, Jackie Chan and other Hong Kong-based celebrities headlined a three-hour charity concert, titled Artistes 311 Love Beyond Borders, to help with Japan's disaster recovery effort following the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. The concert raised over $3.3 million.

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 to continue its charitable work.

June 2013: Response to death hoax

On 25 June 2013, Jackie Chan responded to a hoax Facebook page created a few days earlier that alleged he had died. He said that several people contacted him to congratulate him on his recent engagement, and soon thereafter contacted him again to ask if he was still alive. He posted a Facebook message, commenting: "If I died, I would probably tell the world!"

2013: Serving as a delegate to the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference

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 Chan to express his anger, shock, heartbreak, and shame. He remarked, "I hope all young people will learn a lesson from Jaycee and stay far from the harm of drugs."

March 2015: Meeting with David Cheng and Discussion of Motorsports Team

In March 2015, Jackie Chan met with Asian Le Mans Series champion David Cheng. During their meeting, Chan expressed his interest in motorsports and they discussed the possibility of starting a racing team together.

2016: Partnership with David Cheng to Form Racing Team

In 2016, Jackie Chan partnered with David Cheng to form a racing team in the Asian Le Mans Series and the FIA World Endurance Championship. The team, initially named Baxi DC Racing Alpine, was the first mainland China-based operation in WEC.

2016: California Fitness Failure Blamed on the Jackie Chan Curse

In 2016, the failure of the fitness chain California Fitness was attributed to the Jackie Chan curse, an urban legend suggesting products endorsed by Jackie Chan are prone to being defective.

January 2017: Donation to Thailand Flood Victims

In January 2017, Jackie Chan donated $65,000 to help flood victims in Thailand.

2019: Criticism of Hong Kong Anti-Extradition Bill Protests

In 2019, Jackie Chan publicly criticized the Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests. He voiced his support for the National People's Congress decision on Hong Kong national security legislation and stated that the "'Five-starred Red Flag' is respected everywhere around the world."

2021: Expressed desire to join the Chinese Communist Party

By 2021, Jackie Chan expressed his desire to join the Chinese Communist Party, a contrast to his pro-democratic stance in the late 1980s.

2021: Evergrande Group Losses Following Chan's Endorsement

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.