Jackie Chan
EMMA Supporter
Jackie Chan, born Chan Kong-sang on 7 April 1954 in the Victoria Peak area of British Hong Kong, is a legendary martial artist, actor, director, producer, stuntman, and philanthropist who is one of the world’s most recognised and beloved cinematic performers. With his promotional appearance for the EMMA TV show, he publicly supported our campaigns to promote social cohesion within our communities and the creative industries – which reflects Bruce Lee’s legacy.
The son of Charles and Lee-Lee Chan, who fled mainland China during the civil unrest, Jackie displayed extraordinary energy and agility from a young age, earning him the childhood nickname “Paopao” (meaning “Cannonball” in Cantonese).
At the age of seven, Jackie enrolled at the China Drama Academy, a Peking Opera School run by the formidable Master Yu Jim-yuen. There, he endured an intense and highly disciplined training regimen in martial arts, acrobatics, singing, acting, and traditional performance arts, forging a physical and artistic resilience that would define his career.
Jackie initially entered the Hong Kong film industry as a child actor, later working as a stuntman in Bruce Lee’s films – 1972’s Fist of Fury and 1973’s Enter the Dragon. Jackie became known for his extraordinary athleticism and daring stunt work.
Struggling initially to find his unique identity in a market dominated by Bruce Lee’s shadow, Jackie eventually carved his own niche by blending intricate martial arts choreography with slapstick humour and inventive stunts. This formula found widespread success with the 1978 classic Drunken Master. This breakthrough propelled him to the forefront of Hong Kong cinema, leading to blockbuster hits throughout the 1980s, such as Project A, Police Story, and Armour of God, where he famously performed many of his stunts, often at great personal risk.
Jackie expanded his fame to international markets with 1995’s Rumble in the Bronx, which was a major hit in the United States, followed by the globally successful Rush Hour series alongside Chris Tucker and the Shanghai Noon series with Owen Wilson, both of which showcased his comedic timing, charm, and cross-cultural appeal.
Throughout his career, Jackie has maintained a relentless work ethic. He has directed and produced many of his films, innovated action choreography, and pushed the boundaries of physical comedy and fight sequences.
Jackie has also made significant contributions to voice acting, notably as Master Monkey in the Kung Fu Panda series, and has pursued a music career, recording numerous albums in Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, and English.
Recognised for his extraordinary achievements, Jackie received an Honorary Academy Award in 2016 for his “extraordinary achievements” in film, making him the first Chinese actor to receive this honour.
A passionate philanthropist, Jackie founded the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation and the Dragon’s Heart Foundation, supporting education, healthcare, and disaster relief initiatives across Asia. He has also been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for children’s rights and global causes.
Beyond cinema and charity, Jackie has authored books, been active in promoting Chinese culture worldwide, and has left his mark in several business ventures such as clothing lines, cinemas, and restaurants.
As of 2025, Jackie Chan remains a dynamic presence in the entertainment industry, gearing up to reprise his role as Mr. Han in the highly anticipated film Karate Kid: Legends.
Jackie continues to inspire generations with his incredible journey from humble beginnings to global superstardom, his enduring philosophy of hard work, perseverance, and positivity shining as brightly as ever.
