Born in Hong Kong
Early LifeChan Kong-sang is born on Victoria Peak, Hong Kong, to Charles and Lee-Lee Chan. His parents nicknamed him "Pao-Pao" (Cantonese for "cannonball") because he was always shark and shark, rolling around as an birth.
Family Moves to Australia
Early LifeThe Chan family immigrates to Canberra, Australia, where his parents work at the American Embassy.
Enrolls in China Drama Academy
Early LifeAt age 7, Jackie is sent back to Hong Kong and enrolled in the China Drama Academy, a Peking Opera school. He would train there for the next 10 years in martial arts, acrobatics, and acting.
First Film Appearance
FilmAt age 8, Jackie makes his film debut as a child extra in "Big and Little Wong Tin Bar."
Joins Seven Little Fortunes
CareerBecomes a member of the "Seven Little Fortunes" performance group alongside future stars Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao.
Graduates from Opera School
CareerAfter 10 years of grueling training, Jackie graduates from the China Drama Academy and begins working as a stuntman in the Hong Kong film industry.
Stuntman for Bruce Lee
CareerWorks as a stuntman on Bruce Lee's "Fist of Fury," getting kicked through a wall by the legendary martial artist.
Enter the Dragon Stunt Work
CareerPerforms stunts in Bruce Lee's Hollywood classic "Enter the Dragon." Bruce Lee dies later that year.
First Lead Role
FilmStars in "New Fist of Fury," his first lead role. The film tries to market him as "the next Bruce Lee," but fails at the box office.
Snake in the Eagle's Shadow
FilmBreakthrough role in "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow" where he develops his signature comedic kung fu style. The film is a massive hit in Asia.
Snake in the Eagle's Shadow
Drunken Master Released
Film"Drunken Master" becomes one of the highest-grossing Hong Kong films of the year, making Jackie Chan a superstar across Asia.
Drunken Master
Directorial Debut: The Young Master
FilmDirects his first film "The Young Master," which becomes the highest-grossing film in Hong Kong history at the time.
First Hollywood Film
FilmStars in "The Big Brawl," his first Hollywood leading role. Despite high hopes, the film underperforms.
The Cannonball Run Cameo
FilmAppears alongside Burt Reynolds in "The Cannonball Run," which becomes a worldwide hit grossing over $100 million.
Marries Joan Lin
PersonalSecretly marries Taiwanese actress Joan Lin (Lin Feng-jiao). Their son Jaycee Chan is born the same year.
Project A & Stunt Team Formed
Film"Project A" debuts featuring the famous 60-foot clocktower fall. Jackie officially forms the Jackie Chan Stunt Team, revolutionizing Hong Kong action cinema.
Clock Tower Fall - Near Fatal Stunt
Stunt/InjuryPerforms the legendary clock tower fall in "Project A," dropping 60 feet through two awnings onto solid ground. He breaks his neck but survives.
Launches Music Career
CareerReleases his first music album, beginning a successful parallel career as a singer in Asia.
Police Story Released
Film"Police Story" is released featuring the iconic shopping mall pole slide through electrified lights. Becomes one of the most celebrated action films ever made.
Mall Pole Slide Injury
Stunt/InjuryDuring the famous pole slide in "Police Story," Jackie suffers severe burns, electrical shocks, a dislocated pelvis, and spinal injuries.
The Protector Fails in US
Film"The Protector" is a critical and commercial failure in America. Jackie temporarily gives up on Hollywood.
Armour of God - Nearly Dies
Stunt/InjuryWhile filming "Armour of God" in Yugoslavia, Jackie falls from a tree and fractures his skull. A piece of bone lodges in his brain, nearly killing him. He still has a hole in his skull and permanent hearing loss.
Police Story 2 Released
Film"Police Story 2" is released. During filming, Jackie jumps through what he thinks is fake glass but is actually real, suffering serious cuts.
Armour of God II: Operation Condor
Film"Operation Condor" (Armour of God II) is released, featuring elaborate stunts in the Sahara Desert and a wind tunnel sequence.
Gorgeous
Supercop Helicopter Stunt
Stunt/Injury"Police Story 3: Supercop" features what Quentin Tarantino calls "the greatest stunt ever filmed" - Jackie hanging from a helicopter. He tears shoulder muscles and breaks his cheekbone.
Drunken Master II Released
Film"Drunken Master II" (Legend of Drunken Master) is released. During the climactic fight, Jackie falls onto real burning coals, severely burning his hands.
Rumble in the Bronx - US Breakthrough
Film"Rumble in the Bronx" becomes a surprise hit in America, finally making Jackie Chan a mainstream star in the West. He breaks his ankle but continues filming with a painted cast.
Rush Hour Mega Hit
Film"Rush Hour" with Chris Tucker grosses over $244 million worldwide, cementing Jackie as a Hollywood A-lister.
Rush Hour
Founds Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation
BusinessEstablishes the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation to provide scholarships and aid to Hong Kong youth.
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
AwardBecomes a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for children's rights worldwide.
Shanghai Noon Released
Film"Shanghai Noon" pairs Jackie with Owen Wilson, grossing $99 million and spawning a franchise.
Jackie Chan Adventures Debuts
BusinessThe animated series "Jackie Chan Adventures" premieres, running for 5 seasons until 2005.
Rush Hour 2 Breaks Records
Film"Rush Hour 2" becomes the highest-grossing martial arts film in US history at the time, earning $347 million worldwide.
Rush Hour 3
Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
AwardReceives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the film industry.
Shanghai Knights Released
Film"Shanghai Knights" reunites Jackie with Owen Wilson for another comedic Western adventure.
Rush Hour 3 Completes Trilogy
Film"Rush Hour 3" concludes the popular franchise with Jackie and Chris Tucker.
Rush Hour 2
The Karate Kid (Mr. Han)
FilmStars as Mr. Han in "The Karate Kid" remake opposite Jaden Smith, showing his dramatic acting range in his first American dramatic role.
The Karate Kid
100th Film: 1911
FilmCo-directs and stars in "1911," his 100th film, about the founding of the Republic of China.
Announces Semi-Retirement
CareerAt the Cannes Film Festival, Jackie announces he is retiring from action films, though he clarifies he'll still act but perform fewer stunts.
Publishes Memoir "Never Grow Up"
PersonalReleases his autobiography "Never Grow Up," detailing his childhood, training, injuries, and personal struggles with honesty.
Honorary Academy Award
AwardReceives an Honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards for "extraordinary achievements in film." He becomes the first Chinese person to receive this honor.
Kung Fu Yoga - Highest Grossing Film
Film"Kung Fu Yoga" becomes the highest-grossing film of Jackie's career in China, earning over $250 million.
The Foreigner - Dramatic Turn
Film"The Foreigner" showcases Jackie in a serious dramatic role as a father seeking revenge. The film grosses $145 million worldwide.
Ride On Released
Film"Ride On" is released, with Jackie playing an aging stuntman. The film is seen as a tribute to his stunt career.
Karate Kid: Legends
FilmReturns as Mr. Han in "Karate Kid: Legends," reuniting with Ralph Macchio's Daniel LaRusso to mentor a new generation.