Jackie Chan poses before his “In Conversation” at the Red Sea International Film Festival on December 08, 2022.Photo:Daniele Venturelli/Getty
Daniele Venturelli/Getty
Jackie Chanis celebrating a major milestone!
The legendary actor turned 70 on April 7 and marked the birthday with a reflectiveposton Instagram as he expressed his gratitude for being “able to grow old” given the intense stunts he’s been performing for decades.
“Even before today, many friends have been reminding me: ‘Jackie, it’s going to be your 70th birthday!’ Every time I hear this number, my heart would stop for a second - l’m 70 years old already?” Chan began his lengthy caption. “After recovering from the shock, the second thing that would come to my mind is a saying that my big brother, Sammo Hung once said: ‘being able to grow old is a fortunate thing.’ Especially for us stunt people, we don’t know how lucky we are to be able to grow old.”
Chan also addressed some concern that circulated online after photos of him surfaced that showed him looking older. “I want to take this opportunity to let everyone know, don’t worry! It’s just a character appearance for my latest movie. The character requires me to have white hair, white beard and look old," he explained.
The star then noted he’s “always been willing to try new things for a movie, no matter if it’s a challenging stunt or a breakthrough appearance for a character,” before expressing gratitude for being in Hollywood “for 62 years.”
“I cherish every moment because I’m lucky I’m still filming today,” he said.
Jackie Chan performs Kung Fu martial arts demonstration at the Trocadero Plaza in paris.Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty
Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty
The post also featured a collection of photos of Chan from throughout his career, which he said was thanks for his staff, who have “been going through my photo archives” and found some of the gems he included.
“Looking at these photos brings back so many fond memories. All I can say is: I love making movies and I love you all,” Chan concluded the post. “A big thank you to everyone for all your birthday wishes. Hope everyone stays happy and healthy!”
Will Smithalso took the time to wish Chan a happy birthday with his ownposton Instagram, where he reflected on their time together when his son,Jaden Smith, was filming 2010’sThe Karate Kidalongside the actor.
“Happy 70th (wow) Birthday to My Guy @jackiechan!! In addition to making some of my FAVORITE movies of all time, creating some of the CRAZIEST moments that have ever been captured on film - I thank you most for helpin’ to raise Jaden,” Will, 55, wrote. “Our time with you in Beijing during theKarate Kidleft an eternal impact on our entire family. We wish you the deepest Love & Revelation on your next trip around the sun ☀️.”
Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith in 2010’s ‘The Karate Kid’.Jasin Boland/Columbia Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection
Jasin Boland/Columbia Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection
Jaden, who is now 25, was 11 when the reboot of the 1984 movie was filmed. In the reboot, Jaden starred as Dre, who, after moving from the U.S. to Beijing, runs into some trouble and ends up learning a thing or two about self-defense from Mr. Han (Chan), a kung fu master.
Kevin Winter/Getty
In November, Chan andRalph Macchio, who played the teen protagonist in the first film,announced that they are making a third iteration of the movie— and shared a worldwide casting call for the lead.
“Hi everyone! We’ve got big news,” Chan said in avideowith Macchio, who announced: “We’re starring in a newKarate Kidmovie together.”
“That’s big news, but we even have bigger news,” Chan continued. “We’re looking for the next Karate Kid.”
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The duo later found their lead inAmerican Born Chinesestar Ben Wang, and production began on April 4, according to aposton X (formerly Twitter).
The film is scheduled to hit theaters on Dec. 13, 2024.
source: people.com
