Jet Li Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Li Lianjie |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 26, 1963 |
| Age | 63 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Beijing, China |
| Nationality | Chinese-Singaporean |
| Profession | Actor, martial artist |
| Years Active | 1982-present |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Spouse | Married to Nina Li Chi (1999-present); previously married to Huang Qiuyan |
| Children | 4 daughters |
| Net Worth | ~$250 million |
| Known For | Wushu champion, Hong Kong cinema legend, Hollywood action star, philanthropist |
Early Life & Background
Li began practicing Wushu at age eight, training under national coach Wu Bin. He joined China's National Wushu Team, winning five gold medals at the All-China Games by age 17 and performing for President Richard Nixon during a 1974 White House visit. After retiring from competition, he transitioned to film at director Zhang Xinyan's request.
Career Journey
Hong Kong Breakthrough
Li starred in Shaolin Temple (1982), sparking a Wuxia film revival. The Once Upon a Time in China series (1991-1993) cemented his legendary status as folk hero Wong Fei-hung. He co-founded Eastern Productions, releasing hits such as Fist of Legend, Tai Chi Master, and Black Mask.
Hollywood & Global Fame
Li debuted in Hollywood as the villain Wah Sing Ku in Lethal Weapon 4 (1998) before headlining Romeo Must Die, Kiss of the Dragon, and The One. Collaborations with director Zhang Yimou (Hero, 2002) and Ronny Yu (Fearless, 2006) earned international acclaim. Li joined Stallone's The Expendables franchise and returned to Chinese blockbusters like Detective Dee and League of Gods.
Recent Work & Health
Li revealed a hyperthyroidism diagnosis in 2013, leading to fewer action roles. He focuses on mentoring and philanthropy but still appears in select projects such as Disney's live-action Mulan (2020), voicing the Emperor. In 2026 he is producing a limited series about Wushu history and consulting on a Netflix martial-arts anthology.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Shaolin Temple | Jue Yuan | Debut film |
| 1991-1993 | Once Upon a Time in China I-III | Wong Fei-hung | Breakout trilogy |
| 1994 | Fist of Legend | Chen Zhen | Fan favorite |
| 1998 | Lethal Weapon 4 | Wah Sing Ku | Hollywood debut |
| 2001 | The One | Gabriel/Yulaw | Sci-fi action |
| 2002 | Hero | Nameless | Oscar-nominated film |
| 2006 | Fearless | Huo Yuanjia | Biopic |
| 2010-2014 | The Expendables I-III | Yin Yang | Ensemble franchise |
| 2020 | Mulan | Emperor | Disney live-action |
Awards & Honors
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Golden Horse Awards | Best Actor | Fist of Legend | Won |
| 2008 | Hong Kong Film Awards | Outstanding Contribution | Martial arts cinema | Honored |
| 2014 | Global Leadership Awards | Humanitarian Award | One Foundation | Honored |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$250 million (2026)
Li's wealth comes from film contracts, production companies, endorsements (Canon, One Foundation campaigns), and investments in resorts, fitness apps, and Chinese tech startups. He holds Singaporean citizenship for business opportunities in Southeast Asia.
Personal Life
Li married actress Nina Li Chi in 1999; they live in Beijing and Singapore. He practices meditation, Buddhism, and charity work focused on disaster relief. Li is friends with Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen, advocating unity among action stars.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
In 2007 Li founded the One Foundation, pioneering a "1% individual donation" philosophy after surviving the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The foundation supports disaster response, children's health, and mental-wellness programs across China and Southeast Asia.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram/Facebook: @jetli shares wellness tips, charity initiatives, and throwback photos from film sets and Wushu competitions.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Li turned down a role in The Matrix Reloaded to avoid sharing proprietary moves digitally.
- He served as an Olympic torchbearer for the 2008 Beijing Games.
- Li is an ambassador for the International Red Cross.
- He believes martial arts should prioritize self-control and humility over violence.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Li is producing a docuseries on Wushu legends and consulting on Netflix's anthology Warrior Spirits. He continues One Foundation relief work, recently funding clean-water projects in rural Sichuan. Rumors suggest a cameo in Expendables 5 alongside longtime castmates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Jet Li?
Jet Li is a Chinese-born martial artist and actor known for iconic Hong Kong films and Hollywood hits like Lethal Weapon 4, Hero, and The Expendables.
What is Jet Li most famous for?
He is most famous for masterful Wushu performances in the Once Upon a Time in China series and his crossover success in American action films.
Is Jet Li active on social media?
Yes. Li posts on Instagram and Facebook, highlighting charitable work, wellness advice, and reflections on martial arts.