Jackie Chan, born Chan Kong-sang, is a Hong Kong-based actor, filmmaker, martial artist, and stunt performer renowned for his comedic acrobatic fighting style, impeccable timing, and groundbreaking stunts, which he typically performs himself. With a career spanning from the 1960s, Chan boasts over 150 films to his name, making him one of the most influential action stars in cinematic history. His early training in acrobatics, martial arts, and acting at the Peking Opera School's China Drama Academy, where he was part of the Seven Little Fortunes, laid the foundation for his illustrious career.
Around 1937, Chan's father worked as a secret agent for Lieutenant General Dai Li, the chief spy in Kuomintang-ruled China.
Jackie Chan was born in April 1954 in British Hong Kong as Chan Kong-sang. His parents, Charles and Lee-Lee Chan, were political refugees from the Chinese Civil War.
At the young age of eight, Jackie Chan appeared alongside some of his fellow "Little Fortunes" members in the 1962 film "Big and Little Wong Tin Bar," where Li Li-Hua played the role of his mother.
In 1964, Jackie Chan appeared as an extra in Yen Chun's film "Liang Shan Po and Chu Ying Tai."
Jackie Chan had a small role in King Hu's 1966 film "Come Drink with Me."
After appearing as an extra in "A Touch of Zen," Jackie Chan was signed to Chu Mu's Great Earth Film Company in 1971.
Jackie Chan moved to Canberra, Australia, in 1971, briefly attending Dickson College and working in construction. He acquired the nickname "Jackie" during this time.
Jackie Chan worked as an extra and a stunt double for the villain in Bruce Lee's "Fist of Fury" (1972), showcasing his skills in a high-profile film.
Between 1973 and 2010, Jackie Chan's films sold approximately 84 million tickets in Europe.
In 1973, Jackie Chan had a minor role in another Bruce Lee film, "Enter the Dragon."
Jackie Chan broadened his experience in 1974 by working as a martial arts choreographer for John Woo's film "The Young Dragons."
In 1976, Jackie Chan received an offer from producer Willie Chan and adopted the stage name 成龍 ("becoming the dragon"). His first leading role, intended to be in the style of Bruce Lee, did not meet expectations.
Jackie Chan's career took a turn in 1978 with the release of "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow" and "Drunken Master." These comedic kung fu films were a hit with audiences and helped establish Chan's unique style.
The year 1978 marked a turning point when Jackie Chan starred in "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow." Director Yuen Woo-ping gave him creative freedom, resulting in a comedic kung fu film that resonated with audiences.
Jackie Chan stepped behind the camera for the first time in 1979, directing "The Fearless Hyena." The film was a box office success.
Jackie Chan's films, including "Drunken Master" and "The Young Master," gained significant traction in East Asia in 1980, particularly in Japan. "The Young Master" even surpassed Bruce Lee's box office records, establishing Chan as a leading figure in Hong Kong cinema.
Jackie Chan's first musical recording was "Kung Fu Fighting Man," the theme song for his film "The Young Master" (1980).
In 1980, Jackie Chan continued his success in the comedic kung fu genre with the release of "The Young Master."
Jackie Chan began experimenting with elaborate stunt sequences in the early 1980s with films like "The Young Master" (1980).
In 1980, Jackie Chan's first Hollywood film, "The Big Brawl," was released, marking his attempt to enter the American film industry.
Jackie Chan took on a minor role in the successful film "The Cannonball Run" in 1981. Despite limited screen time, he was inspired by the use of outtakes during the closing credits, a technique he later incorporated into his own films.
In 1982, Jackie Chan's "Dragon Lord" showcased his experimentation with elaborate stunt sequences, further solidifying his reputation for action-packed performances.
Jackie Chan continued to experiment with elaborate stunts in "Dragon Lord" (1982), which featured a pyramid fight scene that took 2900 takes.
Jackie Chan married Taiwanese actress Joan Lin in 1982. Their son, Jaycee Chan, was also born in the same year.
"Project A", released in 1983, featured the official formation of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team and incorporated elaborate and dangerous stunts.
In 1983, Jackie Chan established his own stunt team to choreograph and perform elaborate stunts for his films.
The Jackie Chan Stunt Team was officially formed in 1983 during the making of "Project A." This marked a pivotal moment in Chan's career, solidifying his commitment to performing elaborate and dangerous stunts.
The year 1983 marked the first collaboration of Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao in "Project A." The film's innovative and dangerous stunt work earned it recognition at the Hong Kong Film Awards.
Jackie Chan began his professional music career in 1984 and has since become a successful singer in Hong Kong and Asia.
Jackie Chan further developed his signature style of blending elaborate stunts, martial arts, and slapstick humor in the 1984 film "Wheels on Meals."
The 1984 arcade game "Spartan X", based on Chan's film "Wheels on Meals", helped establish the beat 'em up genre and influenced games like "Super Mario Bros." and "Street Fighter".
Released in 1985, "Super Mario Bros." was inspired by games like "Spartan X", which was based on Jackie Chan's fighting style.
Jackie Chan starred in and performed numerous dangerous stunts for "Police Story," a crime action film released in 1985. The film's success at the Hong Kong Film Awards further cemented Chan's status in the industry.
In 1985, Jackie Chan continued to refine his action-comedy style with the film "Police Story."
Following the commercial disappointment of "The Protector" in 1985, Jackie Chan shifted his focus back to Hong Kong cinema.
"Police Story" (1985) showcased large-scale action scenes, including a car chase, a bus stunt, and a climactic fight scene in a shopping mall.
In 1986, Jackie Chan starred in "Armour of God," which became his most successful film domestically at that time, highlighting his continued box office appeal.
The fighting game "Street Fighter", released in 1987, drew inspiration from earlier beat 'em up games like "Spartan X", which was based on Jackie Chan's film "Wheels on Meals".
In 1988, Jackie Chan established the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation with the aim of providing scholarships, support, and opportunities for young people in Hong Kong. The foundation also extended its mission to offer aid to individuals and communities affected by natural disasters and health crises.
Jackie Chan reunited with Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao for "Dragons Forever" in 1988, marking their last on-screen collaboration to date. The film, featuring other China Drama Academy alumni, signifies a period of collaboration and camaraderie in their careers.
In 1989, Jackie Chan showed his support for the democratic movement by performing at the Concert for Democracy in China during the Tiananmen Square protests.
Jackie Chan was awarded the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1989.
The success of "Police Story 2" in 1989 at the Hong Kong Film Awards, specifically for its action choreography, further demonstrated Jackie Chan's impact on the action genre.
In 1990, "Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu" was released for the PC-Engine and Nintendo Entertainment System.
Between 1991 and 2010, Jackie Chan's films generated over US$72 million in revenue in South Korea.
Jackie Chan's performance in "Police Story 3: Super Cop" earned him the Best Actor award at the 1993 Golden Horse Film Festival, showcasing his acting prowess alongside his stunt work.
In 1994, Jackie Chan reprised his role in "Drunken Master II," a film that received critical acclaim, solidifying its place as a classic in Chan's filmography and earning recognition from Time Magazine.
The Royal Hong Kong Police used Jackie Chan's Cantonese song "Story of a Hero" (theme song of "Police Story") in their recruitment advertisement in 1994.
By January 1995, Jackie Chan had achieved significant success in Asia and Europe, but his impact in the North American market remained limited despite the growing popularity of his films on home video.
The year 1995 marked Jackie Chan's breakthrough in the North American market with "Rumble in the Bronx." The film's success established a cult following and paved the way for his future Hollywood endeavors.
Jackie Chan was featured in the 1995 arcade game "Jackie Chan The Kung-Fu Master".
"Rumble in the Bronx," released in 1995, became a global hit, introducing Jackie Chan to a wider audience and paving the way for his successful Hollywood career.
In 1995, Quentin Tarantino presented Jackie Chan with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the MTV Movie Awards, praising him as one of the greatest filmmakers and physical comedians.
Capitalizing on Chan's growing popularity, "Police Story 3: Super Cop" was released in the United States as "Supercop" in 1996, further solidifying his presence in the US market.
Jackie Chan received an honorary Doctorate of Social Science degree from Hong Kong Baptist University in 1996.
Jackie Chan provided the voice for Shang in the Chinese release of Disney's animated film "Mulan" (1998) and performed the song "I'll Make a Man Out of You" for the soundtrack.
Prior to directing "1911," Jackie Chan's last directorial work was "Who Am I?" in 1998.
Jackie Chan achieved substantial Hollywood success with the release of "Rush Hour" in 1998, co-starring alongside Chris Tucker. This buddy cop action comedy grossed over US $130 million in the US alone, cementing his status as a Hollywood star.
In 1998, Jackie Chan released "Who Am I?", marking his final film with Golden Harvest before pursuing new opportunities.
Jackie Chan's daughter, Etta Ng Chok Lam, was born on January 18, 1999, as a result of his extramarital affair with Elaine Ng Yi-Lei.
Departing from his action-heavy roles, Jackie Chan starred in the romantic comedy "Gorgeous" in 1999, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Jackie Chan received the Silver Bauhinia Star (SBS) in 1999.
The year 2000 saw Jackie Chan's foray into the video game world with "Jackie Chan Stuntmaster" and his continued Hollywood success with the Western action comedy "Shanghai Noon" alongside Owen Wilson.
Jackie Chan reunited with Chris Tucker for the highly successful sequel "Rush Hour 2" in 2001. The same year, he also starred in "The Accidental Spy," continuing his collaboration with Golden Harvest for distribution.
In "The Tuxedo," released in 2002, Jackie Chan experimented with special effects and wirework for his fight scenes, marking a departure from his traditional stunt-heavy style.
Following Golden Harvest's withdrawal from the film industry, Jackie Chan founded his production company, JCE Movies Limited, in 2003, granting him greater creative control over his projects.
Jackie Chan starred in "Shanghai Knights," the sequel to "Shanghai Noon," in 2003, which featured his first on-screen fight with Donnie Yen. He also continued to incorporate special effects in "The Medallion," further exploring different approaches to action sequences.
Jackie Chan called the re-election of Chen Shui-bian and Annette Lu in the 2004 Taiwanese presidential election "the biggest joke in the world," leading to calls for a ban on his film "Around the World in 80 Days."
By 2004, Jackie Chan had gained significant global recognition, with film scholar Andrew Willis considering him potentially the "most recognized star in the world." The same year, he collaborated with Steve Coogan in "Around the World in 80 Days," showcasing his range and appeal in different genres.
In 2004, Jackie Chan launched his own clothing line featuring a dragon logo. This marked the expansion of his brand into various businesses, including restaurants, gyms, and food products, with a portion of the profits donated to charity.
In 2004, Jackie Chan's JCE Movies Limited released "New Police Story," reflecting a shift towards films with more dramatic depth while retaining his action appeal.
As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Jackie Chan actively participated in disaster relief efforts following the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, demonstrating his commitment to humanitarian causes.
Film scholar Andrew Willis dubbed Jackie Chan "the most recognized film star in the world" in 2004.
Continuing his exploration of different genres, Jackie Chan starred in "The Myth" in 2005, further demonstrating his commitment to expanding his repertoire.
Jackie Chan founded the Dragon's Heart Foundation in 2005 to focus on improving the lives of children and elderly individuals residing in remote regions of China. The foundation's initiatives include constructing schools, providing educational resources like books, covering school fees, supplying uniforms to students, and offering assistance to the elderly by donating warm clothing, wheelchairs, and other essential items.
Jackie Chan participated in the opening ceremony of Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005.
In June 2006, inspired by the philanthropic efforts of Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, Jackie Chan made a public pledge to donate half of his wealth to charity upon his death.
Jackie Chan's JCE Movies Limited achieved considerable success with the release of "Rob-B-Hood" in 2006, solidifying his ability to maintain box office appeal while exploring diverse roles.
August 2007 saw the release of "Rush Hour 3," the third installment in the successful franchise. While a commercial success globally, the film received a lukewarm reception in Hong Kong.
Filming for "The Forbidden Kingdom," marking Jackie Chan's first on-screen collaboration with Jet Li, concluded in August 2007.
In November 2007, Jackie Chan began filming "Shinjuku Incident," a dramatic film with no martial arts sequences, directed by Derek Yee.
Jackie Chan recorded and released "We Are Ready," the official one-year countdown song for the 2008 Summer Olympics.
On March 10, 2008, Jackie Chan was the guest of honor at the inauguration of the Jackie Chan Science Centre at the Australian National University's John Curtin School of Medical Research. The center was launched by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
The highly anticipated collaboration "The Forbidden Kingdom," featuring extensive visual effects and wirework, was released in April 2008.
In May 2008, Jackie Chan took on an advisory role for the film "Wushu," directed by Anthony Szeto and starring Sammo Hung, demonstrating his continued support for the martial arts film genre.
Jackie Chan faced protests and was met with the chant "Jackie Chan, get out!" upon arriving at Taipei airport in June 2008, following his controversial comments about the Taiwanese election.
Jackie Chan lent his voice to the character of Master Monkey in the animated film "Kung Fu Panda," released in June 2008. The star-studded cast included Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, and Angelina Jolie.
Jackie Chan received an honorary professorship from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Hong Kong in 2008.
As a participant in the torch relay for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Jackie Chan defended the event against demonstrators, emphasizing the opportunity to showcase Chinese culture.
Jackie Chan performed at the one-year countdown ceremony for the 2008 Summer Paralympics and the closing ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics. He also released an official album for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
"Shinjuku Incident," starring Jackie Chan as a Chinese immigrant in Japan, was released on April 2, 2009.
During a panel discussion at the Boao Forum for Asia in April 2009, Jackie Chan sparked controversy by suggesting that Chinese people might need to be controlled, citing tensions in Hong Kong and Taiwan. He later clarified that his comments were directed at the entertainment industry, not society as a whole.
In 2009, Jackie Chan took on the role of a low-level gangster in "Shinjuku Incident", a serious drama set in Tokyo.
In 2009, Jackie Chan was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Cambodia.
Jackie Chan aligned himself with the Chinese government's stance on illegal drugs, becoming an "anti-drug ambassador" and advocating for severe punishments for drug users.
February 2010 marked the opening of the first Jackie Chan-Yaolai International Cinema, a massive cinema complex in China and part of Chan's venture into cinema chains.
Jackie Chan took on a rare dramatic role in the 2010 American film "The Karate Kid."
By 2010, Jackie Chan's films had grossed over HK$1.14 billion (US$147 million) at the Hong Kong box office.
Jackie Chan starred alongside Jaden Smith in "The Karate Kid," a remake of the 1984 original, released in 2010. This marked Chan's first dramatic American film role.
In 2010, Jackie Chan took on the role of brand ambassador for Kaspersky Lab, a renowned cybersecurity company, promoting their antivirus software across Asia.
An urban legend known as the "Jackie Chan Curse" began circulating, suggesting that products endorsed by Jackie Chan were prone to experiencing setbacks or failures. ABC News reported on the phenomenon in 2010, attributing its origin to several products endorsed by Chan in China that faced issues such as defects, safety concerns, and potential health risks.
On April 1, 2011, following the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, Jackie Chan joined other Hong Kong celebrities, including rapper MC Jin, for a three-hour benefit concert titled "Artistes 311 Love Beyond Borders." The concert aimed to support Japan's disaster relief efforts and raised over $3.3 million.
Jackie Chan's 100th film, "1911," was released on September 26, 2011. Chan co-directed, executive produced, and starred in the film.
Jackie Chan won the Favorite Buttkicker award at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in 2011 for his role in "The Karate Kid."
Released in 2011, "The Raid: Redemption" from Indonesian cinema, showcases the global influence of Jackie Chan's fight sequences and action choreography.
In December 2012, Jackie Chan drew criticism for labeling Hong Kong a "city of protest" and suggesting limits on demonstrators' rights. He also sparked backlash by calling the United States the "most corrupt" country in the world during a Phoenix TV interview.
"Armour of God III: Chinese Zodiac," the third film in the series, directed by Jackie Chan, was released on December 12, 2012.
Jackie Chan's films had grossed a total of ¥48.4 billion (US$607 million) in Japan by 2012.
At the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, Jackie Chan announced his retirement from action films, citing his age. He later clarified that he would continue to perform in action films but with fewer stunts and a greater focus on his physical well-being.
In June 2013, Jackie Chan addressed a death hoax that circulated on Facebook, assuring fans that he was alive.
In November 2013, a statue of Jackie Chan was unveiled in front of the JC Film Gallery in Shanghai.
Jackie Chan served as a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, representing the "Literature and Arts" sector for two terms starting in 2013.
Jackie Chan starred in "Police Story 2013," a reboot of the "Police Story" franchise, released in China in late 2013.
Starting in 2013, Jackie Chan became involved in pro-Chinese Communist Party (CCP) politics, serving as a delegate to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
"Kingsman: The Secret Service" (2014) is an example of a film inspired by Jackie Chan's action choreography.
In 2014, Jackie Chan's son, Jaycee, was arrested for cannabis use, leading Chan to express his disappointment and use the situation as an opportunity to reiterate his anti-drug stance.
The JC Film Gallery, a museum dedicated to Jackie Chan's life and work, opened in Shanghai in 2014.
In February 2015, Jackie Chan was awarded the title of Datuk in Malaysia, in conjunction with the country's Federal Territory Day. He received the honor of Knight Commander of the Order of the Territorial Crown by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia Tuanku Abdul Halim.
In March 2015, Jackie Chan met with Asian Le Mans Series champion David Cheng, where they discussed their shared interest in motorsports, potentially foreshadowing a future collaboration.
As of 2015, Jackie Chan holds positions at two universities: he is a faculty member at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, teaching tourism management, and serves as the Dean of the Jackie Chan Film and Television Academy at the Wuhan Institute of Design and Sciences.
In 2015, Forbes estimated Jackie Chan's net worth to be $350 million.
In 2015, the made-up word "duang," inspired by Jackie Chan, became an internet meme in China.
Jackie Chan's film "Dragon Blade" was released in early 2015. In the same year, he was bestowed with the title of "Datuk" by Malaysia for his contributions to the country's tourism industry.
Although not accused of illegal activities, Jackie Chan was listed in the Panama Papers as having multiple offshore accounts, potentially for tax sheltering purposes.
Jackie Chan starred in the action-comedy "Railroad Tigers," released in 2016.
The financial collapse of the fitness chain California Fitness in 2016 was attributed by some to the so-called "Jackie Chan Curse," further fueling the belief surrounding the alleged jinx associated with his endorsements.
Jackie Chan collaborated with Johnny Knoxville and starred in "Skiptrace," which was released in 2016.
Jackie Chan achieved the ranking of the second-highest-paid actor worldwide in 2016.
Chan and Cheng partnered to create Baxi DC Racing Alpine, marking Chan's entry into professional motorsports and the establishment of the first mainland China-based operation in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
In January 2017, Jackie Chan donated $65,000 to provide aid and support to those affected by severe floods in Thailand.
"Kung Fu Yoga," a Chinese-Indian production starring Jackie Chan, was released in early 2017 and became a major box-office success.
Jackie Chan starred in two films released in 2017: the action-thriller "The Foreigner" and the science fiction film "Bleeding Steel."
Jackie Chan's racing team, renamed Jackie Chan DC Racing, achieved a historic win in their class (LMP2) at the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking a significant triumph for the team and for Chinese motorsports.
Released in 2017, "Atomic Blonde" is another example of a film that draws inspiration from Jackie Chan's action style.
As of 2018, 48 of Jackie Chan's films had collectively grossed over US$5 billion worldwide.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Black Panther" (2018) also exhibits the influence of Jackie Chan's action choreography.
Jackie Chan publicly criticized the 2019 Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests, expressing support for the Chinese government and the "Five-starred Red Flag." He also voiced support for the National People's Congress's decision on Hong Kong's national security legislation.
A wax figure of Jackie Chan was unveiled at Madame Tussauds New York in 2020.
Released in 2020, both the DC Extended Universe film "Birds of Prey" and the Netflix film "Extraction" showcase influences from Jackie Chan's action choreography.
By 2021, Jackie Chan's political views had evolved, and he expressed his desire to join the Chinese Communist Party, stating his admiration for the party's effectiveness.
In 2021, Jackie Chan expressed his desire to join the CCP.
In 2021, when the Evergrande Group faced substantial financial losses, some individuals pointed to the "Jackie Chan Curse" as a possible factor, as Chan had previously promoted their Evergrande Spring brand of bottled water. This incident reignited discussions about the supposed curse and its potential implications.
The influence of Jackie Chan's action style is evident in the Marvel film "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" (2021).
Tom Holland acknowledged Jackie Chan's influence on action scenes in "Uncharted" (2022), particularly Chan's unique use of surroundings in fights.
Jackie Chan finished his second term as a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference representing the "Literature and Arts" sector, in 2023.
Jackie Chan teamed up with John Cena for the Chinese-American co-production "Hidden Strike," released in 2023.