Jackie Chan, born in Hong Kong in April 7, 1954, is a renowned actor, director and stuntman known for his acrobatic stunts and martial arts skills.
He gained international fame with films like Rumble in the Bronx and Rush Hour, solidifying his status as a Hollywood star.
Chan’s career spans over 150 films, blending martial arts with humor and daring stunts.
Beyond acting, he is involved in philanthropy, environmental causes and has received numerous awards, including an honorary Academy Award in 2016.
Net worth | $400 million |
Date of birth | April 7, 1954 |
Profession | Actor, director, stuntman |
Nationality | Hong Kong |
Background
Chan, whose real name is Fang Shìlóng (房仕龍), was born to Charles and Lee-lee Chan.
Charles was a spy for China’s pre-World War II Nationalist government and later a member of Shanghai’s organized crime underworld, while Lee-lee was a stage performer and occasional opium dealer.
They had a colorful past, with Charles having been a spy and Lee-lee being arrested by Charles for opium smuggling before they married.
Chan’s parents left him behind in Hong Kong when they fled to Hong Kong following the Communist takeover in 1949, a common survival strategy at the time.
Charles had two sons from a previous marriage, and his mother had two daughters.
Chan was enrolled at the China Drama Academy at the age of seven when his parents moved to Australia for Charles’ job as head cook at the American embassy there.
Net worth
Chan has an estimated net worth of $400 million.
He accumulated his net worth through an illustrious career in martial arts, movie acting, directing, production, endorsements and investments.
Chan’s diverse sources of wealth include acting, film production, directing, stunt performing, screenwriting, martial arts, singing, TV production and entrepreneurship.
Additionally, he has been involved in various business ventures like owning restaurants, being a shareholder in media companies and producing animated films and comic books through his company, Chan Company Limited.
Chan’s philanthropic work through the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation also reflects his commitment to giving back to society.
Business ventures
Chan’s business ventures are diverse and extensive, ranging from clothing lines and sushi restaurants to fitness gyms and chocolates.
He has also been involved in the real estate market, owning properties in various locations such as Beverly Hills, California and Beijing.
Additionally, Chan has sat on the board of multiple Hong Kong-listed companies, including Star East Holdings, Jade Dynasty Food Culture, Sing Pao Media Group and Emperor Entertainment Group.
He has also been involved in the luxury car industry, becoming an authorized dealer for brands like Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini.
Real estate
Chan has made significant real estate investments throughout his career, including the purchase of eight traditional Chinese courtyard homes in Beijing in the 1990s for $780,000 each.
These properties have since increased in value and are now worth at least $20 million each.
In addition to his properties in China, Chan also owns several luxury properties in the United States, Australia and Mainland China, as well as a piece of land in Hong Kong worth over $100 million HKD.
His real estate investments reportedly earn him over $70 million HKD a year.
In 2017, some of Chan’s luxury apartments in Beijing were seized by a Beijing court due to an ownership dispute.
Early career
Chan’s early career began as an extra child actor in the 1962 film, Big and Little Wong Tin Bar.
He later worked as a stuntman in Bruce Lee’s films, Fist of Fury and Enter the Dragon.
Chan’s first starring role came in 1973 with Little Tiger of Canton, leading to his breakthrough in the kung fu action comedy genre with films like Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow and Drunken Master.
His innovative stunts and comedic martial arts style set him apart, paving the way for his international success.
International success
Chan’s international success began in 1995 with the release of Rumble in the Bronx in the United States, which was his biggest domestic box office success to date.
This film established a foothold for him in the North American market, leading to a 1996 release of Police Story 3 in the United States under the title, Supercop.
He then starred in several Hollywood films, including the Rush Hour trilogy, Shanghai Noon, The Tuxedo and Around the World in 80 Days.
In 2003, Chan started his own film production company and has produced films like New Police Story, The Myth and Rob-B-Hood.
His international success has made him a cultural icon, with references to him in various songs and television shows, as well as his own comic book character, Jackie Chan’s Spartan X.
Rush Hour franchise salaries
Chan’s salary for the Rush Hour franchise was reportedly $15 million per movie, as mentioned in.
The first Rush Hour film was released in 1998 and grossed over $240 million worldwide, leading to the success of the franchise.
For Rush Hour 3, Chris Tucker received a $25 million salary, while Chan received $15 million, as stated in.
Additionally, Chan negotiated a 15% share of the box office and overseas distribution rights for Rush Hour 3, as in Celebrity Net Worth.
Despite the success of the franchise and the actors’ willingness to participate in another installment, there has been no new Rush Hour movie since 2007, as noted in.
Awards and accolades
Chan has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his illustrious career, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the MTV Movie Awards, USA, Best Action Choreography at the Hong Kong Film Awards, Best On-Screen Duo at the MTV Movie Awards, USA, Favorite Action Duo at the Blockbuster Entertainment Awards, USA and an Honorary Fellowship at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Hong Kong.
He was also awarded the Maverick Tribute Award at the Cinequest San Jose Film Festival, USA, The Innovator Award at the Multicultural Motion Picture Association and the Silver Bauhinia Star by the Hong Kong SAR Government, Hong Kong.
Chan was presented with the Presidential Sports Award by the Presidential Council on Physical Fitness & Sports, USA, and was made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by the British Government.
He has received a Doctor of Social Science from Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, and was appointed Hong Kong Tourism Ambassador by the Hong Kong Association.
Chan has also received the People Humanitarian Award, the Montblanc de La Culture Award from the Montblanc de Cultural Foundation and the International Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Leadership Foundation, USA, among many others across various categories and countries.
Philanthropic efforts
One of the central pillars of his philanthropy is the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation, established in 1988.
Through the foundation, Chan has provided scholarships to underprivileged students, enabling them to pursue higher education and fulfill their dreams.
The Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation has also supported various healthcare initiatives, including funding medical treatment for those in need.
In times of disaster and crisis, Chan has consistently stepped up to provide aid and relief to those affected.
Whether it’s natural disasters like earthquakes or tsunamis, or humanitarian crises, Chan has been a tireless advocate for disaster relief efforts.
His involvement in relief work has not only provided immediate assistance to those in distress but has also raised awareness and support for ongoing relief efforts.
Personal life
Chan has been married to Joan Lin Feng-jiao, a Taiwanese former actress, since 1982.
They have a son named Jaycee Chan, who is a Hong Kong singer and actor.
Chan also has a daughter named Etta Ng Chok Lam, born in 1999, from an extramarital affair with Elaine Ng Yi-Lei.
Despite his busy career, she has made efforts to reconcile with his family and improve his relationship with them.