Jackie Chan's net worth and salary
Jackie Chan, a famous movie star from Hong Kong, has a net worth of $400 million. He started his career as a stuntman in the 1960s and became popular in the 1970s for his amazing fighting style and creative stunts in Hong Kong action films. His big break came with the 1978 film "Drunken Master," which showed off his special mix of martial arts, comedy, and stunts.
Chan starred in many hit Hong Kong action-comedy films in the 1980s and 1990s, including "Police Story," "Project A," and "Armour of God." He became known worldwide with the release of "Rush Hour" in 1998, a Hollywood action-comedy where he starred with Chris Tucker.
Jackie Chan has acted in many Hollywood and international movies, including the "Rush Hour" sequels, "Shanghai Noon," "The Tuxedo," and the "Kung Fu Panda" series. He still works as a director, producer, writer, and actor in Hong Kong cinema.
Jackie Chan Inheritance
Jackie's son, Jaycee Chan, has had some legal troubles. In 2014, Jaycee was arrested for drugs in Beijing. He could have faced life in prison, but with Jackie's help, he served only 148 days. In a 2012 interview, Jackie said he planned to leave half of his wealth to his family and donate the other half to charity. However, he changed his mind and decided to leave all his money to charity. Jackie explained, "If he is capable, he can make his own money. If he is not, then he will waste my money." Jackie also wished he had sent Jaycee to the army for "life experience and character."
Early Life
Jackie Chan's real name is Chan Kong-sang. He was born in Hong Kong on April 7, 1954. When he was a child, he was nicknamed "Pao-pao" because he was full of energy and rolled around like a ball. He lived at the French consul's house, where his parents worked. Jackie failed his first year of primary school and was sent to the China Drama Academy. He learned acrobatics and martial arts there and excelled in both. He studied under Yu Jim-yuen, becoming one of the school's best students. Jackie earned a black belt in Hapkido and also studied Karate, Judo, Taekwondo, and Jeet Kune Do. In the late '70s, he moved to Australia, where his parents worked for the American embassy. He was a construction worker and earned the nickname "Jackie."
Early Film Career
Jackie Chan started acting in movies at the age of five. His first big role was at eight years old in "Big and Little Wong Tin Bar." After many small roles, he signed with Great Earth Film Company, where he worked as a stuntman in Bruce Lee's movies "Fist of Fury" and "Enter the Dragon." His first starring role was in "Little Tiger of Canton" in 1973.
In 1976, Jackie Chan worked with director Lo Wei, who wanted Jackie to be the next Bruce Lee. However, Jackie’s style was different, and the film "New Fist of Fury" failed.
Mainstream Breakthrough
Jackie's big break came with "The Snake in the Eagle's Shadow" in 1978, where he used his comedy skills. The movie was a hit and started the comedic Kung-Fu genre. Later that year, he starred in "Drunken Master," one of his most famous roles. The director allowed Jackie to design his stunts, which showcased his talents. After more successful films, Jackie was ready for the international stage.
International Success
With the help of manager Willie Chan, Jackie started landing roles in Hollywood, beginning with "The Big Brawl" in 1980. His early Hollywood efforts were slow, so he often returned to Hong Kong for work. In the mid-'90s, Jackie became more popular in Hollywood. To avoid being typecast, he refused to play villains.
"Rumble in the Bronx" gained a cult following in North America in 1995, and Jackie became a Hollywood star. "Rush Hour" in 1998 made him a household name in America, earning $130 million in the United States alone.
In 2000, Jackie starred in "Shanghai Noon," followed by a sequel and "Rush Hour 2." Movies like "The Tuxedo" and "The Medallion" were less successful, and Jackie grew frustrated with Hollywood. After "Rush Hour 3," which made $255 million, Jackie focused on his roots, creating his own production company, JCE Movies Limited, and taking on more dramatic roles.
In May 2023, it was announced that Jackie would star in the $50 million action sequel to 2005's "The Myth," called "A Legend."
Earnings
The "Rush Hour" movies have earned a total of $845 million worldwide. By 2018, Jackie Chan's films had grossed $1.84 billion in the U.S. and Canada. Adjusted for inflation, this is $2.44 billion. Worldwide, his movies have made over $5 billion.
In 2016, Jackie was the second-highest-paid actor in the world. Between June 2018 and June 2019, he made $60 million. From June 2019 to June 2020, he earned $40 million.
Business Ventures
Besides JCE Movies Limited, Jackie owns other production companies and a chain of cinemas in China. He also has a clothing line and food products. Jackie is very charitable and has donated a lot to help others.
Personal Life
In 1982, Jackie married Taiwanese actress Joan Lin. They had a son, Jaycee Chan, that same year. Jackie had an affair with Elaine Ng Yi-Lei, and they had a daughter, Etta Ng Chok Lam, in January 1999. It's reported that Jackie gave Elaine nearly $9,000 a month and over $76,600 when she moved to Shanghai, but her lawyer later said these transactions did not happen.
In 2020, Jackie had to auction his Beijing apartments due to an ownership dispute. He had bought the apartments in 2006 for $4.9 million, but the paperwork wasn't filed properly. The apartments, worth close to $14.6 million, were auctioned starting at $10.5 million.