Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan was born a few months later than other children; instead of nine, he took 12 Months. When Jackie finally emerged he was at least 12 pounds on April 7th 1954. Jackie Chan was born in Hong Kong. The Chan family nearly sold the newborn baby in order to pay the hospital bill. Luckily his fathers' friend stepped in and raised enough money to keep Jackie in the family. Jackie grew up in Hong Kong until the age of 6 then he moved to Australia where his family worked as a cook for the Australian Embassy.

Jackie didn't do so well in school so his parents sent him back to Hong Kong to join the Peking Opera School. It was here that Jackie learned Martial arts, acrobatics, singing, dancing and acting. He lived at school until the age of 17, then he moved out on his own.

At first, Jackie got lots of small roles in movies as an extra or a stuntman. In fact, one of the first movie appearances was in a Bruce Lee film called "Enter The Dragon," in which Jackie gets thrown through the wall by Bruce. Then as he gained more experience, he won lead roles. These roles were attempting to mold him into a second Bruce Lee film which Jackie was uncomfortable with. His career did not really take off until 1978, in a movie called "Snake in the Eagle's shadow." This movie allowed Jackie to show off more of his comedic abilities so he could define more of himself as a character. Jackie's first film was successful as well as his second film "The Drunken Master."

Then Jackie realized he liked having control over his movies, and started to direct and choreograph them himself. Finally, in 1995 "Rumble In Bronx" was released. Hollywood employees immediately got attention for Jackie's incredible stunts. Many people/Audience were amazed by what Jackie did on the screen. Jackie doesn't like to cheat to his audience so he performed all the stunts himself. Despite all the accidents and injures, Jackie continues to attempt daredevil tricks for the camera. Jackie raised 300,000 dollars for an organization called self-help for the elderly.

Jackie Chan has inspired me to live my own life the way I want because he spent his days in school while I am going to join the marines and do something with my life as well.

Jackie Chan has come a long way from poverty-stricken childhood in Hong Kong, but he hasn't forgot that there are still people suffering. Besides using laughter to heal and entertain his audience, Jackie continues to spend his days and money for worthwhile causes.