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 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.

Sections (6)

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

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.

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.

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".

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 essential resources.

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.

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.

April 2009: Comments at Boao Forum

In April 2009, during a panel discussion at the annual Boao Forum for Asia, Jackie Chan questioned whether broad freedom is a good thing, suggesting Chinese people need to be controlled, which prompted angry responses from figures in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

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.

April 2011: Artistes 311 Love Beyond Borders Charity Concert

On April 1, 2011, Jackie Chan headlined the Artistes 311 Love Beyond Borders charity concert with other Hong Kong-based celebrities to aid Japan's disaster recovery effort for the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, raising 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.

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.

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: 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.

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."

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.

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.

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.