Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan (http://www.asianpopcorn.com/battle_images/jackie_chan_06092009021043.jpg)

Many movie stars we see today are misinterpreted. Although we see many of them as just people who attract attention through their wealth and power, we frequently do not know about their background, and how they became the person we see today. For example, we see Angelina Jolie. We see all her fame, fortune, tattoos, etc., but we never wonder to ourselves who this person truly is. Rather than recognizing who they are on the inside, we almost always judge them on their outward appearances. One such person is Jackie Chan. Born 1954 in Victoria Peak, Hong Kong, Chan displayed traits of humbleness and selflessness, which enabled him to not only persevere through a destitute childhood, but to also rise up to become one of the film industry’s most prominent actors. As a result of his success, he donated tens of millions of dollars to charitable organizations and disaster relief world-wide. From his perseverance as a child, to his philanthropic actions as an adult, Jackie Chan’s monumental achievements deem him worthy of being a contender for the title of hero.

Childhood Picture of Chan and His Parents (http://jackiechan.com/)

Although most people nowadays merely view Jackie Chan as a popular, influential movie star today, most do not possess the knowledge of his poverty-stricken childhood, deprivation of a normal education, and an entire decade’s worth of training in a rigorous drama academy with an abusive taskmaster. Jackie Chan failed primary school his first year, and was subsequently sent to the China Drama Academy located in Hong Kong. Since Chan was so illiterate and young, he could not understand the terms of his contract and signed for the longest possible term of indentured service: 10 years. As described in Chan’s biography, “Students at the school were severely disciplined and were beaten if they disobeyed or made mistakes. It was a very harsh and difficult life, but Jackie had nowhere else to go, so he stayed.”(The Official Website of Jackie Chan)[4]. From morning to midnight, students in the academy trained in swordplay, dancing, singing and acting. All money gained from their performances was used to pay off their tuition and board fees. From this description of the academy in which he was tutored in, it is not difficult to imagine the harsh training he endured, just to be able to get at least an education of some sort. It was during this time Chan made his film debut in Big and Little Wong Tin Bar (1962). After Chan’s graduation from the academy, Chan moved to Australia, where he finally met his parents again after ten years. Chan’s lifestyle in Australia was menial; he worked a construction job and took classes in a community college. It seemed his life was going nowhere, until an opportunistic movie director by the name of Willie Chan (no relation) sent Jackie Chan a telegram proposing him to star in an upcoming movie of his. This was his ticket out of his endless cycle of dull jobs, and propelled him into the world of the film industry itself, where he finally began his rise to stardom. Jackie Chan comments that Willie Chan contributed largely to his success, and to whom he has become today. (Lewis, World Book Advanced)[1]

Chan at 2011 Japan Earthquake Charity Concert (http://www.skynews.com.au/showbiz/article.aspx?id=596362&vId=)

After Chan’s success in China with The Drunken Master (1978), he also achieved fame in the Americas with his box-office hit, Rumble in the Bronx (1996). Chan became well known as an actor, and cemented his place in Hollywood cinema for his elaborate self-done stunts and humorous movies. (Jackie, Gale)[2] As his popularity grew, so did his ego and wealth. Chan used his wealth to set up two foundations, one of which include the Dragon’s Heart Foundation (2004), which is described as for “to fulfill the desperate needs of children and the elderly in remote areas of China.” (The Official Website of Jackie Chan)[4]. Since 2005, the Dragon's Heart Foundation has built over two dozen schools, provided books, fees, and uniforms, and has raised millions of dollars to give much-needed educational opportunities to the poor. From this example of generosity, his desire to give back to his community is shown, and how he feels obligated to give less fortunate kids an education – an opportunity he did not get. The other foundation was the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation, which “offers scholarships and active help to Hong Kong’s young people through a variety of worthy causes.” (The Official Website of Jackie Chan)[4]. Over the years, the foundation has broadened its vision to include provision of medical services, aid to victims of natural disasters or illnesses, and projects where the major contributors are Hong Kong people or organizations. By donating millions of dollars to national aid, he displays his generosity is not only limited to his home country, but to people around the world. Furthermore, Chan has gone as far to defiantly proclaim that he will donate half his assets to charity upon his death, (Jackie, Wikipedia)[3] further emphasizing his obligation to give back to the community, and thus setting the precedent for his selfless nature.

(http://www.china.org.cn/culture/2009-01/15/content_17110310.htm)

Now, in 2011, his movie legacy continues to live on, starring in many movies, all which have won him international acclaim as one of the great pioneers of the popularization of the kung-fu genre in the Americas. Even though many merely see him crudely as just another celebrity, they do not truly realize his humble beginnings, and the hard work and determination required to get to where he is now. Even more evident, is the fact that even though Chan became rich, he did not flaunt his wealth. Instead, he gave most of it back setting up foundations, and donating tens of millions of dollars to less fortunate people in need. This is an individual who embodies the traits of a true hero, one of charity and relentless determination to achieve goals from humble beginnings.