Jet Li: Chinese-Singaporean Martial
Biography of Artist & Actor
Real Name: Li Lianjie (李连杰)
Stage Name: Jet Li
Date of Birth: April 26, 1963
Place of Birth: Beijing, China
Nationality: Chinese (later Singaporean citizen)
Profession: Martial Artist, Actor, Producer, Retired Wushu Champion
Languages Spoken: Mandarin, English
Religion: Tibetan Buddhism
Height: 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
Weight: Approx. 66 kg (145 lbs)
Education
Schooling: Beijing Shichahai Sports School (from age 8)
Special Training: Wushu (Chinese martial arts)
No formal university education due to early martial arts focus
Family
Father: Li Qingquan (died when Jet was 2)
Mother: Zhang Fenglan
Siblings: Two brothers and two sisters
First Wife: Huang Qiuyan (former Wushu teammate, divorced 1990)
Children: 2 daughters
Current Wife: Nina Li Chi (Hong Kong actress, married 1999)
Children: 2 daughters (Jane Li and Jada Li)
Career Overview
Jet Li is one of the most iconic martial artists and actors globally, known for blending real Wushu expertise with emotional screen presence.
Martial Arts Background:
Wushu begins at the age of 8
National Wushu Champion of China (5-time winner)
Retired from competition at age 17
Film Debut & Breakthrough:
Debut Film: Shaolin Temple (1982) – instant hit in China
Starred in numerous historical and action-packed Chinese films
Major Chinese Films:
Once Upon a Time in China series (as Wong Fei-hung)
Fist of Legend (1994)
Tai Chi Master, Hero, Fearless
Hollywood Career:
Debut: Lethal Weapon 4 (1998) – as a villain
Romeo Must Die (2000), Kiss of the Dragon (2001)
The One (2001), Cradle 2 the Grave (2003)
The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) with Jackie Chan
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)
The Expendables series (2010–2014)
Net Worth
Estimated Net Worth (2024): $250 million
Sources of Wealth:
Film earnings (China & Hollywood), endorsements, production, and business ventures
Awards & Honours
Hong Kong Film Awards: Best Actor (Warlords, 2008)
Shanghai Film Critics Award: Best Actor (Fearless)
MTV Movie Award Nominee: Best Fight
Recognized globally for martial arts contribution
Appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador (2006)
Founder of The One Foundation, a non-profit humanitarian organization
Interesting Facts
Became a Singaporean citizen in 2009 for better education system for his daughters
Survived the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in the Maldives
Practices Tibetan Buddhism
Suffers from
hyperthyroidism and injuries from years of stunt work
Respected for philanthropy and low-key personal life
