Kung-fu legend, Hollywood icon, and Guinness World Record holder Jackie Chan, born in Hong Kong, is set to take on a new role as a torchbearer for the upcoming Paralympics in Paris.
The 70-year-old actor has a massive fanbase in France and beyond, thanks to his unique blend of comedy and martial arts that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Jackie Chan, born Chan Kong-sang in 1954 during British colonial rule in Hong Kong, began his film journey as a child actor. He later worked as a stunt double in Bruce Lee’s 1972 film “Fist of Fury.” Chan’s signature style—combining thrilling fight sequences with slapstick humor in films like “Drunken Master” and “Police Story”—made him a household name across Asia.
His fearless stunt work, often resulting in injuries, became a hallmark of his films, with blooper reels showing the behind-the-scenes mishaps. In 2012, Guinness World Records recognized him for performing the most stunts by a living actor.
Chan’s Hollywood breakthrough came with the 1996 film “Rumble in the Bronx,” followed by the hugely popular “Rush Hour” trilogy alongside comedian Chris Tucker. One of the most memorable scenes from the series was filmed in France, where Chan performed a breathtaking fight sequence atop the Eiffel Tower, showcasing his acrobatic skills without the use of stunt doubles.
Reflecting on that scene, Chan once said, “I did all my stunts, even the scene full of fighting and acrobatics on top of the Eiffel Tower. I can tell my grandchildren, ‘This is your grandfather. That’s not a double flying around the Eiffel Tower in 100-mile-per-hour winds.’”
On Wednesday, Chan is expected to take part in the ceremonial torch relay for the Paralympics, marking yet another milestone in his illustrious career. This isn’t his first time carrying the Olympic flame; he was also a torchbearer during the 2008 Beijing Games, alongside other notable Chinese figures.
Despite a late start in Hollywood, Chan has consistently ranked among the world’s highest-paid actors over the past decade. His filmography includes blockbusters like “Shanghai Noon,” “The Karate Kid,” and the animated “Kung Fu Panda” series.
In 2016, Chan was honored with an Honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement, a recognition he had long sought. “After 56 years in the film industry, making more than 200 films—I broke so many bones—finally this is mine!” he said.
Back in Hong Kong, Chan’s popularity has somewhat declined due to his pro-Beijing stance. His decision to join China’s top political advisory body in 2013 and his 2021 statement expressing a desire to join the Chinese Communist Party sparked controversy among fans.
Despite the political debates, Chan remains a business mogul with ventures in clothing, cinemas, and restaurants. In 2015, Forbes estimated his net worth at $350 million.
Reflecting on his career at the premiere of Rush Hour 3, the then-53-year-old Chan said, “You just keep moving. I’ll do it until my body tells me to stop. I don’t think about retirement.”
