It seems that all boys (and maybe even girls) at least once imagined themselves as Jackie Chan in their childhood. They jumped on the sofas with a broom, throwing up their legs, tried to jokingly fight with friends, as in kung-fu movies. For many, this martial artist was a true role model – brave, strong, agile and also very funny. Today, the inimitable Jackie Chan celebrates his 66th birthday. And, let’s say at once, he is still magnificent.
Jackie Chan in the movie
Jackie Chan’s career started almost 60 years ago, and he’s still doing movies! Moreover, Jackie never changes his rule – even the most dangerous stunts he performs himself, without stuntmen. More than once the actor stood on a hair’s breadth from death – on the set of the film “Armor of God” in 1986, he fractured his skull. A year ago, he again almost died and during the filming of one of the last films “Vanguard”, whose release was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“There were a lot of moments where I could have died. Probably a couple in each movie, and they happened even more often when I was younger. I think there were more than 200 such moments,” – said the actor. At the same time, Jackie Chan acts like a real superhero. Almost drowned? No big deal, we have to keep filming.
When there was an incident on the set of “Vanguard”, I changed clothes, took a sip of water and continued filming. You can’t make everyone wait for you alone. Actors have to remain professional. I only worry about making sure the action scenes turn out great.
Recently, Chan has been trying to move away from the image of a martial arts master and more fully reveal his acting skills.
I don’t want to be an action star, but an actor who can fight. A Chinese Robert De Niro or Dustin Hoffman. That way I can stay in the movie industry forever. I’ve never been offered dramatic or romantic roles. Jackie Chan is “Rush Hour,” “Police Story.” But I’m not young anymore, and I needed to change. It was scary, but I wanted to try something new. The audience accepted my new image, so I made the right decision.
How does Jackie Chan train?
Jackie still fights, although as he’s gotten older, he’s simplified his acrobatics a bit in his movies. His form and now can be envied by many young people, and constant training has become a routine for the actor, from which he does not retreat for a day. This allows him not to limit himself in nutrition – eating something extra, he just spend an extra half hour for training.
Chan starts the morning with an hour’s jog – it allows his body to warm up and prepare for further training. Next, he does a set of simple, as he calls them, exercises. Looking at the list, it becomes clear where the actor draws vitality even at such a venerable age.
- Push-ups on his fists (5 approaches of 10 times);
- twists on an incline bench (5 approaches of 20 times);
- bench press (3 sets of 15 times);
- upper block pull (3 approaches for 15 times);
- incline bench press (2 approaches for 15 times);
- pull on the low block (2 approaches for 15 times);
- overhead press with dumbbells (2 approaches 15 times);
- squats with a barbell (3 approaches for 15 times);
- lunges with dumbbells (2 approaches for 15 times);
- leg bends (2 approaches for 15 times);
- dumbbell biceps raises (2 approaches 15 times);
- triceps pull down (2 approaches 15 times);
- work on paws and Thai pads (3 approaches for five minutes on each apparatus, rest – 2 minutes);
- 30 minutes of martial arts practice.
How does he manage all this? Kung fu and yoga are related to self-discovery. They teach concentration, finding balance between body and spirit. They help to keep a clear mind, feel inner joy, protect the mind from external influences.
Chan’s energy is enough for everything in the world – he has his own base for stuntmen, he directs, writes books, owns a racing team, does charity work (for example, constantly invests in the construction of schools and hospitals for the poor), manages many business projects, singing and filming, filming, filming.
How much does the actor earn?
Jackie is among the twenty richest actors in the world – his fortune is estimated at $ 370 million, which is more than Brad Pitt or Will Smith.
Even 10 years ago, he said that he was going to spend his fortune for good causes and will not put his only son Jaycee in his will.
He could make his own money. If he couldn’t, he would just throw my money away.
His relationship with his son has always been difficult, and in 2014, Jaycee was arrested and charged with drug use and running a drug den. Jackie refused to raise his ties so that his son’s sentence was reduced, and later publicly apologized to fans for his son’s misdeeds and the fact that he did not raise him well enough.
There was in the life of the actor and another family scandal. In the early 2000s it turned out that Jackie had a connection on the side, and he had a daughter. He had to confess to adultery and apologize to his wife, who forgave him. With his illegitimate daughter Etta Chan does not maintain any relationship, and the accumulated capital is going to be divided in his will between his wife Joan and charitable organizations.
Has Chan contracted the coronavirus?
In February, the news broke in the press that Jackie Chan had contracted the coronavirus and was sent to quarantine. He immediately rushed to assure fans that he was fine.
“I know the situation with the virus is very serious and it’s slowly spreading around the world. I hope all my friends and fans are taking precautions. Protect yourselves and your loved ones. I hope the epidemic ends soon and everyone is well and healthy. Stay strong, I believe we have a bright future ahead of us.
Thank you all for worrying about me. I am healthy and am not under quarantine. I am receiving many gifts from fans from all over the world in these challenging times. Thank you for the protective masks! I have instructed my dear staff to donate them to those who need them first,” Chan wrote on his official website. And he recently released a video in English and Chinese urging everyone to take precautions.