Jackie Chan is a global action star. He blends martial arts, humor, and heart. Fans across every age group know his name.
He broke into world cinema with fearless stunt work. He took real risks on set. And he also showed perfect comic timing.
His legacy goes past action films. He built teams, trained talent, and raised money for social causes. His name still draws crowds across continents.
Quick Profile Table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chan Kong-sang |
| Stage Name | Jackie Chan |
| Date of Birth | April 7, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Hong Kong |
| Primary Field | Film actor, director, producer |
| Known For | Martial arts comedy, real stunts |
Early Life
Jackie grew up in Hong Kong. His parents, Charles and Lee-Lee Chan, worked in service roles at an embassy. Money was tight, yet hope stayed alive in the home.
The school taught acrobatics, Peking Opera, stage craft, and martial arts. The schedule was harsh, and the rules were strict. He learned to focus, listen, and improve.
He took small roles in local films to start his path. And he took stunt jobs on major sets in Hong Kong. He even appears in “Fist of Fury” and “Enter the Dragon.” Those days shaped his work ethic and screen presence.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Chan Kong-sang |
| School | China Drama Academy |
| Core Skills | Acrobatics, Peking Opera, martial arts |
| First Work | Stunt roles in Hong Kong cinema |
Physical Appearance
Jackie keeps a lean and agile build. His body supports fast footwork, sharp turns, vaults, and falls. That form suits action scenes that need speed and control.
He stands about 5 ft 8 in (173 cm). His weight stays near 75 kg (165 lb). Dark hair and deep brown eyes frame a warm, open smile.
Age brought injuries and scars. He still maintains strong posture and flexible joints. He plans his routine with care and avoids waste in every move.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | ~75 kg (165 lb) |
| Body Type | Lean, athletic |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark brown |
Family and Relationships Details
Jackie’s father, Charles, had a complex past in China, then worked as a cook. His mother, Lee-Lee, held steady jobs to support the home. Their path led the family to Hong Kong and later to links in Australia.
Jackie married Joan Lin in 1982. She is a former actress from Taiwan. They share one son, Jaycee Chan, who has tried music and film roles.
Family life saw hard moments. Public attention made private issues tough. He has spoken about discipline, duty, and love as core values in his home.
| Relation | Name | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Charles Chan | Cook; complex past in China |
| Mother | Lee-Lee Chan | Embassy staff |
| Spouse | Joan Lin | Married in 1982 |
| Child | Jaycee Chan | Actor and singer |
Career Details
Jackie started as a stunt worker. He learned set safety, wire work, timing, and fall control. He earned trust from crews and directors.
His break came with “Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow” and “Drunken Master.” The combo of martial arts, humor, and heart made waves across Asia. Fans loved the fresh tone and natural charm.
He hit global fame with “Rush Hour” in 1998. The success led to sequels, new co-stars, and wide release deals. He then balanced Hollywood projects with major Asian films.
| Phase | Key Works | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Stunt Years | Small roles; stunt teams | Built skill and set respect |
| HK Stardom | “Drunken Master,” “Police Story,” “Project A” | Defined martial arts comedy |
| Global Break | “Rush Hour” series | Worldwide name and box office |
| Later Roles | “Shanghai Noon,” “Kung Fu Panda” (voice) | Range across genres and ages |
Net Worth
Reports place his net worth near $400 million. The figure shifts with new deals, re-runs, and brand work. He has multiple income paths that support the total.
Film roles pay the bulk. He also earns from directing, producing, stage shows, theme music, and rights. He holds brand deals and owns names in merch and cinema.
His path includes one early lead in “Little Tiger of Canton” (1973). The West first noticed him in “The Big Brawl” (1980). True global fame came later with “Rush Hour.”
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $400 million (est.) |
| Main Income Sources | Films, directing, producing, brand work |
| First Lead | “Little Tiger of Canton” (1973) |
| West Entry | “The Big Brawl” (1980) |
| Global Hit | “Rush Hour” (1998) |
Awards Snapshot
| Award Type | Example | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Academy Honor | Honorary Oscar (2016) | Life work in world cinema |
| Popular Awards | MTV, People’s Choice | Cross-market appeal |
| Asian Honors | Golden Horse, Asian Film Awards | Regional craft and impact |
Film and Impact
| Era | Film Set | Core Impact |
|---|---|---|
| HK Rise | “Drunken Master,” “Project A” | Built martial arts comedy style |
| Peak Asia | “Police Story,” “Armor of God” | High-risk set pieces |
| Global Wave | “Rush Hour,” “Shanghai Noon” | Mainstream reach in the West |
| Voice Work | “Kung Fu Panda” (Master Monkey) | Family appeal and range |
Fun Facts
He holds a world record for most stunts by a living actor. He earned a record for most credits in a single film. “Chinese Zodiac” lists him in a long roll of roles.
He speaks more than one language. He often dubs his own lines in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. Fans value that direct voice in each market.
He keeps a metal plate in his head. A skull injury on “Armour of God” led to urgent surgery. He still shares that story to stress hazard control on sets.
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Guinness Marks | Most stunts; most credits in one film |
| Languages | Cantonese, Mandarin, English |
| Noted Injury | Skull fracture on “Armour of God” |
| Philanthropy | Fund-raisers and aid projects |
Final Words
Jackie Chan changed action cinema. He merged humor, grace, and real risk. He set a new bar for timing and flow in fight scenes.
His story speaks to grit and craft. He rose from stunt roles to global fame. He took hits, learned, healed, and kept faith with his audience.
Young artists still learn from his work. Tight choreography, sharp edits, and heart in each scene. That mix holds power on screen and in memory.
Common Questions
Is Jackie Chan his real name?
His birth name is Chan Kong-sang. The world knows him as Jackie Chan.
How tall is he?
He stands near 5 ft 8 in, or 173 cm. He keeps an athletic build.
Is he married?
He married Joan Lin in 1982. They have one son, Jaycee.
What was his first lead role?
Little Tiger of Canton” in 1973. It set the base for later success.
Did he win an Oscar?
He received an Honorary Oscar in 2016. The Academy gave it to honor his full life in film.
Does he still do his own stunts?
He does fewer high-risk scenes now. Age and safety come first, yet he still adds real action.
What are his most famous series?
Police Story and “Rush Hour.” Both define key chapters in his path.
What is his net worth?
Estimates place it near $400 million. Deals and re-runs affect that figure.
Can he sing?
He has albums in more than one language. Music appears across his film credits.
Where was he born?
He was born in Hong Kong on April 7, 1954. His home shaped his early craft.
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