Jackie Chan (born Chan Kong-sang on 7 April 1954) is a Hong Kong actor, director, producer, and martial artist, known for his slapstick acrobatic fighting style and innovative stunts, which he often performs himself.
A former member of the Seven Little Fortunes at the Peking Opera School, Chan has appeared in over 150 films in a career spanning more than 60 years. His breakout role came with the 1978 film Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow. He gained international fame through the Rush Hour series and continues to work in both Hollywood and Hong Kong cinema.
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Jackie Chan’s Net Worth
Jackie Chan has a net worth of $400 million. The Rush Hour film franchise has grossed a cumulative $845 million globally to date. In 2018, it was reported that his films had grossed $1.84 billion in the United States and Canada alone, which adjusts to $2.44 billion for inflation.
Worldwide, Chan’s films have generated more than $5 billion in box office earnings. In 2016, he was the second highest-paid actor in the world, earning $60 million from June 2018 to June 2019 and $40 million from June 2019 to June 2020.
Early Life
Jackie Chan, born Chan Kong-sang on 7 April 1954 in British Hong Kong, is the son of Charles and Lee-Lee Chan, political refugees from the Chinese Civil War. His father, originally Fang Daolong, worked as a secret agent before fleeing to Hong Kong in the 1940s.
Chan was raised in the French consul’s residence on Victoria Peak and later attended the China Drama Academy, where he trained in martial arts and acrobatics. He was part of the Seven Little Fortunes and later became close friends with Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao. Chan also trained in hapkido, Karate, and other martial arts.
Career
Jackie Chan began acting at age five and landed his first major role at eight in Big and Little Wong Tin Bar. After working as a stuntman in Bruce Lee’s films Fist of Fury and Enter the Dragon, his first starring role came in Little Tiger of Canton (1973).
Chan’s breakthrough came with The Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow (1978), pioneering the comedic Kung-Fu genre. His Hollywood success began with Rumble in the Bronx (1995) and Rush Hour (1998). In 2023, he announced his role in the sequel A Legend.
Personal Life
In 1982, Jackie Chan married Joan Lin, a Taiwanese actress, and they had a son, Jaycee Chan, a singer and actor. Chan had an extra-marital affair with Elaine Ng Yi-Lei, resulting in a daughter, Etta Ng Chok Lam, born on 18 January 1999, which became a media scandal.
Despite regretting the affair, Chan claimed it was a common mistake. He speaks Cantonese, Mandarin, English, and American Sign Language, and is also a fan of football, supporting the Hong Kong and England national teams and Manchester City.
How much did Jackie Chan get paid for Rush Hour?
Jackie Chan was reportedly paid around $40 million in total for all three Rush Hour movies, in addition to receiving a significant percentage of the box office revenue, which earned him another $60-70 million.
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Conclusion
Jackie Chan’s life is a tapestry of highs and lows, triumphs and challenges. From his humble beginnings to becoming a global icon, his journey is a testament to his resilience, talent, and dedication.
FAQ about Jackie Chan
- What is Jackie Chan’s real name?
- Jackie Chan was born as Chan Kong-sang.
- Has Jackie Chan won any major awards?
- Yes, he has received numerous awards, including an honorary Oscar in 2016 for his extraordinary achievements in film.
- How many languages does Jackie Chan speak?
- Jackie Chan is multilingual, speaking Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Korean, German, Thai, Spanish, and American Sign Language.
- What are some of Jackie Chan’s most famous movies?
- Some of his most notable films include ‘Drunken Master,’ ‘Police Story,’ ‘Rush Hour,’ and ‘Shanghai Noon.’
- Is Jackie Chan trained in martial arts?
- Yes, Jackie Chan is trained in various martial arts forms, including Kung Fu and Hapkido.
