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, celebrated for his acrobatic fighting style, comedic timing, and daring stunts. Beginning his career as one of the Seven Little Fortunes from the Peking Opera School's China Drama Academy, where he trained in acrobatics, martial arts, and acting, Chan has starred in over 150 films across six decades. He is considered an icon in martial arts cinema for his innovative and often self-performed stunts, solidifying his place as one of cinema's most recognized and respected martial artists.

Sections (6)

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

1988: Founding of the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation

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

1989: Performance 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.

2004: Championing Charitable Works and Causes

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 the Dragon's Heart Foundation

In 2005, Jackie Chan created the Dragon's Heart Foundation to support children and the elderly in remote areas of China, providing schools, books, fees, and uniforms for children. The organization expanded to Europe in 2011.

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 of Warren Buffett and Bill Gates' charitable efforts.

March 2008: Launch of Jackie Chan Science Centre

On 10 March 2008, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd launched the Jackie Chan Science Centre at the John Curtin School of Medical Research of the Australian National University, with Chan as the guest of honour. Chan is also a supporter and ambassador of Save China's Tigers.

2009: Appointed 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, co-run by Sparkle Roll Group Ltd., opened in China. Claimed to be the largest cinema complex in China with 17 screens and 3,500 seats, Chan hoped it would allow young, non-commercial directors the opportunity to have their films screened.

2010: Origin of the Jackie Chan Curse

In 2010, ABC News reported the origin of the urban legend known as the 'Jackie Chan curse,' which stems from a series of defective products sold in China bearing Jackie Chan's endorsement.

2010: Brand Ambassador for Kaspersky Lab

In 2010, Jackie Chan became the brand ambassador for Kaspersky Lab's antivirus software in Asia.

April 2011: Artistes 311 Love Beyond Borders Charity Concert

In response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, Jackie Chan and fellow Hong Kong-based celebrities, including American rapper MC Jin, headlined a special three-hour charity concert, titled Artistes 311 Love Beyond Borders, on 1 April 2011 to help with Japan's disaster recovery effort. 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 from China to Europe, continuing its mission to help children and the elderly in need.

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, stating that he would probably tell the world if he died.

2013: Start of Term as Member of National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference

From 2013 to 2023, Jackie Chan served two terms as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, representing the "Literature and Arts" sector.

2013: 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.

March 2015: Meeting with David Cheng and Discussing Motorsports

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

2015: The "duang" Internet Meme

In 2015, a made-up word inspired by Jackie 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.

2016: Partnership with David Cheng to Form Racing Team

In 2016, Jackie Chan partnered with David Cheng to create Baxi DC Racing Alpine, a racing team in the Asian Le Mans Series and the FIA World Endurance Championship. The team was rebranded to Jackie Chan DC Racing and promoted Chan's movie Kung Fu Yoga.

2016: California Fitness Failure Blamed on the Jackie Chan Curse

In 2016, the failure of the fitness chain California Fitness was attributed to the so-called 'Jackie Chan curse,' a belief that products endorsed by Jackie Chan are prone to failure.

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 criticized the Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests, stating that the 'Five-starred Red Flag' is respected globally. He also voiced his support for the National People's Congress decision on Hong Kong national security legislation.

2021: Expressed Desire to Join Chinese Communist Party

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

2021: Evergrande Group Losses and the Jackie Chan Curse

In 2021, following Jackie Chan's promotion of Evergrande Spring brand bottled water, the Evergrande Group suffered major losses, leading to renewed invocation of the 'Jackie Chan curse'.

2023: End of Term as Member of National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference

From 2013 to 2023, Jackie Chan served two terms as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, representing the "Literature and Arts" sector.