Jackie Chan Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Chan Kong-sang |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 7, 1954 |
| Age | 72 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Victoria Peak, Hong Kong |
| Nationality | Hong Kong |
| Profession | Actor, martial artist, producer |
| Years Active | 1962-present |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Spouse | Married Joan Lin (1982-present) |
| Children | 2 (Jaycee, Etta) |
| Net Worth | ~$400 million |
| Known For | Innovative martial-arts choreography, comedic stunt work, philanthropy |
Early Life & Background
Born to Chinese Civil War refugees, Chan was enrolled at the China Drama Academy, a Peking Opera school run by Master Yu Jim-yuen. The intense training regimen shaped his acrobatics, martial arts, acting, and discipline, leading to early film work as a child extra and later a stuntman for Bruce Lee.
Career Journey
Hong Kong Stardom
Chan pioneered a slapstick, death-defying style in films like Drunken Master (1978), Project A (1983), Police Story (1985), and Armor of God (1986). He founded the Jackie Chan Stunt Team to design elaborate fight scenes, often performing dangerous stunts without doubles.
Hollywood Breakthrough
After early attempts (Battle Creek Brawl, The Cannonball Run), Chan exploded internationally with Rumble in the Bronx (1995) and Rush Hour (1998), co-starring with Chris Tucker. He continued with Shanghai Noon, The Tuxedo, Around the World in 80 Days, and voice work as Monkey in Kung Fu Panda.
Recent Work
Chan balances Chinese blockbusters (Dragon Blade, Railroad Tigers, Ride On) with global projects. In 2026 he is producing Rush Hour 4, starring in the historical drama Legend of the Song Dynasty, and mentoring young stunt performers through the JC Stunt Team Academy.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Drunken Master | Wong Fei-hung | Breakthrough comedy |
| 1985 | Police Story | Chan Ka-kui | Signature franchise |
| 1995 | Rumble in the Bronx | Keung | International success |
| 1998 | Rush Hour | Inspector Lee | Hollywood crossover |
| 2000 | Shanghai Noon | Chon Wang | Western buddy comedy |
| 2010 | Karate Kid | Mr. Han | Mentor role |
| 2017 | The Foreigner | Quan Ngoc Minh | Dramatic turn |
| 2023 | Ride On | Luo | Meta homage to stunt career |
Awards & Honors
| Year | Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Academy Awards | Honorary Oscar | Lifetime achievement |
| 2005 | Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Actor | New Police Story |
| 2013 | Hollywood Walk of Fame | Motion Picture Star | Honored |
| 2019 | Asia Pacific Film Festival | Outstanding Contribution | Career |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$400 million (2026)
Chan's fortune comes from film salaries, producing fees, endorsements (Vita Lemon Tea, Mitsubishi, Adidas), music albums, and global theater investments. He owns property across Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Los Angeles, plus a chain of JC Stunt Schools and hotels.
Personal Life
Chan married Taiwanese actress Joan Lin in 1982. He divides time between Beijing and Hong Kong, practices calligraphy, and speaks Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. Chan publicly pledged to donate most of his wealth to charity, encouraging financial independence for his children.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
He founded the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation (1988) and Dragon's Heart Foundation (2004) to support scholarships, disaster relief, and rural schools. Chan was appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and frequently raises climate awareness, urging fans to reduce plastic waste.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram/Facebook: @jackiechan posts film updates, safety tips, charity missions, and behind-the-scenes clips from the JC Stunt Team.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Chan sings the theme songs for many of his films and has released more than 20 albums.
- He holds the Guinness World Record for "Most Stunts by a Living Actor."
- Chan has broken nearly every bone performing stunts, including a skull fracture during Armor of God.
- He speaks out about stunt safety, pushing for recognition of stunt performers at major award ceremonies.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Chan is filming Rush Hour 4 in Hong Kong and Vancouver, producing the docuseries Stunt Legends, and launching a digital archive preserving 50 years of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team's work. He will host the 2026 Jackie Chan International Action Film Week, highlighting female stunt coordinators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Jackie Chan?
Jackie Chan is a Hong Kong-born actor and martial artist famous for blending comedy, intricate fight choreography, and real stunts.
What is Jackie Chan most famous for?
He is most famous for films like Drunken Master, Police Story, and the Rush Hour series, as well as for performing his own stunts.
Is Jackie Chan active on social media?
Yes. Chan maintains verified Instagram and Facebook pages where he shares film projects, safety messages, and charity updates.