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Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan, Hong Kong actor and martial artist.

Jackie Chan, born Chan Kong-sang, is a renowned actor, director, and martial artist known for his acrobatic fighting style and innovative stunts. He gained fame in the 1970s with kung fu comedy films and later found success in Hollywood. Chan is a globally recognized film personality, singer, and philanthropist, with numerous accolades and a significant impact on the film industry.

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Timeline

Birth of Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan, originally named Chan Kong-Sang, was born on April 7, 1954, in Hong Kong. He was the only child of Charles and Lee-Lee Chan and had a remarkable birth story, being born after 12 months in the womb and weighing 12 pounds.

Enrollment at Peking Opera School

Charles enrolled Jackie, then 7 years old, at the Peking Opera School operated by Shu Master Yu Jan-Yuen. Jackie was exposed to various physical activities and performances, which later became an influential part of his career.

Entry to China Drama Academy

Jackie Chan entered the China Drama Academy in 1960, where he received training in the Peking Opera discipline under Master Yu Jim-yuen for the next decade.

Chan Joins Peking Opera School

On September 4, 1961, Jackie Chan joined the Peking Opera School, which played a significant role in shaping his future as a martial artist and actor.

Jackie Chan's First Movie Appearance

On October 6, 1962, Jackie Chan appears in his first movie.

Jackie leaves the academy

In 1969, Jackie Chan left the academy to pursue a career as a stuntman, a decision that would shape his future in the film industry.

Transition to Stuntman

In 1971, Jackie Chan left the academy and began working as a stuntman in the thriving Hong Kong kung fu film industry, which had experienced a surge in popularity due to the success of Bruce Lee.

Appearance in Bruce Lee's 'Fist of Fury'

Chan appeared as an extra and a stunt double for the Japanese villain in Bruce Lee's film 'Fist of Fury'. This marked one of his early roles in the martial arts film genre.

First Leading Role

In 1974, Jackie Chan was given the opportunity to star in his first leading role in the film 'The Cub Tiger from Kwang Tung,' but unfortunately, the movie did not succeed in attracting audiences.

On May 19, 1976, Jackie Chan's first movie, 'New Fist of Fury,' faced commercial challenges, but this setback did not deter him from collaborating with director Lo Wei and continuing his career in filmmaking.

Release of Chan's 'Killer Meteors'

On July 6, 1977, Jackie Chan's movie 'Killer Meteors' is released.

Breakthrough with 'Snake in the Eagle's Shadow'

Jackie Chan's first major breakthrough was the 1978 film 'Snake in the Eagle's Shadow,' which established the comedic kung fu genre and gave him complete freedom over his stunt work.

Jackie Chan's Filmography Career Begins

Jackie Chan starts his filmography career with movies like The Young Master, Half a Loaf of Kung Fu, and The Fearless Hyena, all of which were not in English. By the end of the decade, he becomes the most popular and highest paid actor in Hong Kong.

Jackie Chan heads for Hollywood

On August 19, 1980, Jackie Chan heads for Hollywood.

First Movie in English

The first movie in English featuring Jackie Chan is released.

Cannonball Run role

Jackie Chan had a role in 'Cannonball Run,' which was the first major Golden Harvest film in Hollywood aimed at introducing Chan to the U.S. audience. The film was a huge hit, but Chan did not gain much attention from it.

Jackie Chan's Marriage

On May 22, 1982, Jackie Chan gets married.

Birth of Jaycee Chan

Jackie Chan's son, singer, and actor Jaycee Chan was born in Los Angeles, California, the day after Jackie Chan married Joan Lin, a Taiwanese actress.

Chan moved beyond traditional martial arts period movies to modern action-adventure films, showcasing his directorial talent for fight and stunt choreography.

Chan made modern action-adventure films, such as Police Story, showcasing his directorial talent for fight and stunt choreography.

Sustained severe head injuries while filming 'Armor of God'

In 1986, Jackie Chan sustained severe head injuries while filming 'Armor of God' in then-Yugoslavia, which left him on the brink of death.

'Armor of God' breaks Hong Kong box office records

In 1987, 'Armor of God' achieved a significant milestone by breaking Hong Kong box office records with a gross of HK$35 million.

Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation founded

On March 11, 1988, the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation was established.

Supercop 2 Release

The release of 'Supercop 2' in 1992 marked the first collaboration between Jackie Chan and director Stanley Tong. The film grossed HK$33 million and set the stage for their future collaborations.

Police Story 3 Release

Jackie Chan and Stanley Tong collaborated in the release of 'Police Story 3' in 1993. This marked another successful project between the two.

Rumble in the Bronx Box Office Success

In 1995, 'Rumble in the Bronx' achieved box office success by breaking records in Hong Kong with HK$56.9 million and winning the best action choreography at the Hong Kong Film Awards. The film also opened in 1,700 theaters in the U.S. and collected $32 million, establishing Jackie Chan as an international superstar.

Release of Rumble in the Bronx and Rush Hour

After 16 years since his first movie in America, Jackie Chan made a remarkable comeback with blockbuster hits like Rumble in the Bronx and Rush Hour, solidifying his position in the American film industry.

Police Story Bus Scene

The bus scene in Police Story showcased the dangers faced by Jackie Chan and his stunt doubles.

Hollywood Breakthrough with 'Rush Hour'

Jackie Chan's first huge blockbuster success came when he co-starred with Chris Tucker in the 1998 buddy cop action comedy 'Rush Hour,' grossing US$130 million in the United States alone.

Jackie admits affair

On November 10, 1999, Jackie Chan publicly acknowledged his extramarital relationship.

Starring in 'Shanghai Noon'

In 2000, Jackie Chan starred in 'Shanghai Noon,' another action comedy that further solidified his presence in American cinema, showcasing his versatility and success in cross-cultural film projects.

Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Jackie Chan received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Jackie admits love affair

Jackie Chan admitted to having a love affair, acknowledging rumors connecting him to a former beauty queen in Hong Kong. He expressed remorse for his actions and sought forgiveness from his wife and son.

Opening of the Jackie Chan Exhibit

The Jackie Chan exhibit opened in Idaho Falls, ID, showcasing memorabilia and artifacts from the renowned actor's career.

Chan plays anti-hero in "Rob-B-Hood"

In 2006, Jackie Chan portrayed an anti-hero character in the film "Rob-B-Hood", a departure from his usual roles as a "Mr. Nice Guy". This marked an attempt by Chan to introduce more dramatic elements in his films.

Closure of the Jackie Chan Exhibit

The Jackie Chan exhibit in Idaho Falls, ID came to a close after two years of showcasing the actor's memorabilia and artifacts.

"Rush Hour 3" releases

On August 10, 2007, the third installment of the popular film series "Rush Hour" was released, featuring the collaboration of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker.

Establishment of JC Dragon’s Heart Europe

In 2011, JC Dragon’s Heart Europe was established to continue the work of The Foundation throughout Europe and Africa.

Knight Commander Title from Malaysia

On 1 February 2015, Jackie Chan was awarded the honour of Knight Commander of the Order of the Territorial Crown by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia Tuanku Abdul Halim in conjunction with the country's Federal Territory Day.

Jackie Chan's Funeral

Jackie Chan's funeral takes place, and people are encouraged to send sympathy flowers to his family.

Photos of Jackie Chan with White Hair Trigger Online Discussion

Recent news on March 15, 2024, reported that photos of Jackie Chan with white hair triggered online discussions.

End of the Timeline
Jackie Chan

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