Happy Birthday Jackie Chan- A Look into a Half a Century Career

From the East Coast to the West Coast, Jackie Chan has entertained audiences across the globe since the wee-age of eight when he made his big screen debut as an extra in “Big and Little Wong Tin Bar” (1962).  Now at the age of 61 with- 128 acting credits, 78 stunt credits, 2 Guinness World Records- Most credits in one movie (15) and Most stunts by a living actor, Jackie is still going strong and better than ever. So from everyone involved at LightsCameraAsia.com we want to wish you a very Happy Birthday!  

A Brief History

Jackie Chan’s career can be traced back to 1960 when at an early age he was sent by his father to the China Drama Academy, Peking Opera School run by Master Yu Jim-yuen. Over the next ten years, it was here that Jackie developed his proficient skills in martial arts, acrobatics, music, and dance until eventually becoming a member of the “Seven Little Fortunes” performing group- a traveling show composed of the China Drama Academy’s best students, demonstrating their acrobatic and acting skills to audiences from all over the world. 

         

Throughout the 60’s and early 70’s Chan lent his skills to a slew of low-budget martial arts films, as both an actor and stuntman, but it wasn’t until the release of 1978’s “Drunken Master” – considered a cult classic and ranked number 3 on totalfilm’s 50 greatest kung-fu movies of all time, that Jackie’s career really took off. A smash hit at the box office, “Drunken Master” launched Chan into the mainstream and introduced the world to the comedic kung-fu genre for which he is best known. Following the film’s success Jackie, along with his famous stunt team, quickly capitalized on his new found fame by staring in, writing, producing and directing a number of dazzling action films and popular sequels that “Wowed” Asian audiences with some of the most intricate and eye-popping action sequences to ever grace the silver screen.  Now a mega-star in Asia, is was time for Jackie to set his sights on the western world…

After a couple of failed attempts in the early eighties, 1995 brought success with the world-wide release of “Rumble In The Bronx”- Chan finally got his big break into the American movie market. His charming persona and acrobatic talent proved to be a winning combination for American audiences which led to a number of successful internationally released martial arts films such as- “Police Story 4”, “Mr. Nice Guy”, and “Who Am I”. But it wasn’t until he landed a role along-side comedic actor Chris Tucker in the big-budget movie “Rush Hour” that Jackie was firmly labeled a “Hollywood Star”- becoming an even bigger success than “Rumble In The Bronx” and grossing over $141,000,000 in the US alone.

Jackie Chan has proved time and time again that he is one of the world’s top performers and entertainers. He is an international super-star who has given his all both on and off the screen providing a huge library of films and various philanthropic ventures which include- a UNICEF GoodWill Ambassador, assistance in disaster reliefs, and has donated to a number of schools and universities across the globe, preaching the importance of education. At age 61, Jackie continues to push forward and deliver his best, showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon with 3 films currently in production.

CHECK OUT SOME OF JACKIE CHAN'S BEST OUTTAKES!

 What is your FAVORITE Jackie Chan film and Why?! Let us know in the comments below!

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Xander
Contributing Writer

Xander is a friend, movie enthusiast and Lights, Camera, Asia's first contributing writer. As a native to Austin, Texas, Xander is the co-owner of Angry Nun Productions and has had the opportunity to work alongside Ron Jeremy for the B-rated Horror film, Killer School Girls From Outer Space! A lover of all things 1970s and Kung Fu Films (he named his dog Bruce Lee!), Xander is one Groovy character!