Jackie Chan: Chinese Actor Biography
Full Name: Chan Kong-sang
Stage Name: Jackie Chan
Date of Birth: April 7, 1954
Place of Birth: Victoria Peak, British Hong Kong
Nationality: Hong Kong and Chinese
Profession: Actor, Martial Artist, Director, Producer, Stuntman, Singer
Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m)
Early Life and Education
Jackie Chan was born to Charles and Lee-Lee Chan, As a child, he was full of energy and earned the nickname "Pao Pao" (Cannonball).
At age 7, he was enrolled in the China Drama Academy, a Peking Opera School, where he trained rigorously in martial arts, acrobatics, singing, and acting under Master Yu Jim-yuen. He was part of a performance troupe known as the Seven Little Fortunes alongside Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao.
Family
Jackie Chan married Joan Lin, a Taiwanese actress, in 1982. They have one son, Jaycee Chan, who is also an actor and singer. Jackie also fathered a daughter, Etta Ng Chok Lam, from an extramarital affair. His family life has often been kept private.
Career
Early Career in Asia
Chan started as a stuntman in Bruce Lee films like Fist of Fury and Enter the Dragon in the early 1970s. He found his breakthrough in the late '70s with comedic kung fu films
such as:
Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978)
Drunken Master (1978)
He became a huge star across Asia, known for blending slapstick humor with martial arts, and
performing his own stunts.
Hollywood Success
His breakthrough in the West came with:
Rumble in the Bronx (1995)
Rush Hour series (1998–2007)
Shanghai Noon (2000), Shanghai Knights (2003)
The Tuxedo, The Medallion, The Karate Kid (2010)
He also voiced Monkey in Kung Fu Panda (2008–2016).
Chan is also a director and producer, founding his own production companies and stunt team.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Jackie Chan's estimated net worth is over $400 million, making him one of the richest actors in the world. His income comes from films, endorsements, production, real estate, and businesses like Chan-branded cinemas and merchandise.
Awards and Honours
Honorary Oscar (2016) – Lifetime Achievement
Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hong Kong Avenue of Stars
MTV Movie Awards, People's Choice Awards, Lifetime Achievement Awards
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Numerous honors from China and international film festivals
Legacy
Jackie Chan is a cultural icon known for his fearless stunts, comedic timing, martial arts mastery, and cross-cultural success.
