Key Takeaways:
– Jackie Chan celebrated his 70th birthday, shared an emotional message with fans.
– He addresses health concerns raised after his white-haired photos go viral.
– Chan mentions the new look is for his latest film, not a reflection of his health.
– His contribution to world cinema is massive, amassing a global following.
– Will Smith pays tribute to Chan for his influence on Smith’s son, Jaden.
Renowned actor and martial artist, Jackie Chan recently celebrated his 70th birthday. He used the occasion to reach out to his worldwide fandom via social media and dispel any concerns over his health. This was prompted by some recent images in which he was shown with white hair and an older appearance, igniting concerns among his fans.
Chi-Long Choi, Jackie Chan, Turns 70
Jackie Chan, born with the name Chan Kong-sang, but famously known in the cinema world as Jackie Chan, turned 70 on the 7th of April. The ‘Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow’ actor expressed disbelief at reaching the milestone. “Every time I hear this number, my heart would stop for a second – I’m 70 years old already?,” he wrote on Instagram.
Aside from acknowledging the reality of his age, Chan also mentioned the wise words of Sammo Hung, his big brother character in the film industry. Hung had said, “being able to grow old is a fortunate thing.” As an action star, Chan considers himself lucky to have reached this age, given the nature of his work.
Addressing Health Concerns
Photos of Jackie Chan with white hair during an interview stirred up worries among his fanbase regarding his health status. However, Chan quickly clarified that this was merely a change of look for a movie character.
Chan wrote, “Not so long ago, a lot of friends saw some recent photos of me on the internet, and they were all concerned about my health. 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.”
Since the start of his career spanning 62 years, Chan has embraced diversified characters, never shying away from appearances that push his limits. The actor cherishes every moment and feels lucky to continue his work.
Followers and Co-stars Pour in Birthday Wishes
Chan’s Instagram post attracted several birthday wishes from fans and co-stars, including Jackass star Johnny Knoxville. “Happy birthday Jackie!!! Love, Knoxville,” he wrote in the comments section.
Actor Will Smith, whose son, Jaden Smith, worked with Chan in the 2010 movie ‘The Karate Kid,’ also delivered warm wishes. Smith credited Jackie Chan for imparting valuable lessons and having an eternal impact on his family. He thanked Chan for “helpin’ to raise Jaden” and affecting his family during their time in Beijing.
Karate Kid Sequel in the Works
Jackie Chan was recently announced to be returning to the screen alongside Ralph Macchio for a new installment of ‘The Karate Kid.’ This news triggered excitement among fans as the two eras of the franchise are due to unite in the upcoming film. Ben Wang, the star of ‘American Born Chinese,’ is set to take the lead role.
Currently, details about the project are scarce. Jonathan Entwistle is said to direct the movie, with Rob Lieber handling the screenplay. Fans eagerly await the movie’s release scheduled for December 13, 2024.
