Jackie Chan

Opera school

Jackie Chan was born in Hong Kong in 1954 and, as a child, trained for years at the China Drama Academy, a Peking opera school known for its strict regime of acrobatics, martial arts, singing and acting. Classmates from the school, known as the Seven Little Fortunes, later worked together in films.

From stuntman to star

Chan began as a stunt performer and extra in Hong Kong films in the 1970s. He developed a distinctive style mixing martial arts with comedy and everyday props, such as ladders, chairs and umbrellas. His films made him one of the biggest stars in Asia, and later in Hollywood.

The stunt team

Chan founded the Jackie Chan Stunt Team, a group of performers who designed and executed his action scenes. He insisted on performing many dangerous stunts himself, and the end credits of his films often show bloopers and failed stunts, showing the real risks. He has broken many bones during his career.

Did you know?

Chan's action scenes are usually built around rhythm, almost like dance choreography, with many short shots, each rehearsed many times. He often uses everyday objects as tools in fight scenes, which adds comedy and surprise. Because stunt performers have no Oscar category, Chan and many in the stunt community have campaigned for better recognition of the people who make action scenes possible. His autobiography describes the injuries he suffered and the lessons he learned about safety.

Recognition

In 2016 the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gave Chan an honorary Oscar for his work. He has also pushed for more recognition of stunt performers, who do not have their own Academy Award category, something many in the stunt community campaign for.

Professionals, don't try this: these athletes train for years with coaches, safety systems and spotters. Start at a supervised gym or club and progress slowly.

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