Classic Jackie Chan Photos of the King of Martial Arts
While there was no one like Bruce Lee, there are a few martial artists who came pretty close to the icon, including the one and only Jackie Chan. The rebel fighter made a name for himself after disregarding advice and became a martial arts legend like no other thanks to his unique taste and craft.
While the world expected him to be Bruce Lee's successor, starring in serious martial arts movies, he decided to do his own thing: make people laugh. After dominating martial arts like a second nature, he developed his skills as an actor and combined his abilities to create action comedies like no other. From the late '70s to the early 2000s, he was the moment, and no one came close to the things he was doing. Every time Tom Cruise brags about doing his own stunts, Jackie Chan laughs at home.
So, here are some classic Jackie Chan photos of the king of martial arts and comedy.
Family Portrait
Here's Jackie Chan with his parents, way before he changed the martial arts world forever.
Jackie's Family
Later in life, Jackie Chan discovered his father was a spy and her mother was an opium smuggler. They met when he arrested her.
'70s Hairstyle
In the seventies, martial arts belonged to Bruce Lee, and Jackie Chan wanted to be near all that.
Police Story
Jackie Chan doesn't use many guns throughout his career, but he practiced as much as he could to nail the feel and attitude when he needed to do those scenes.
Bruce Lee Fan
He was a fan of Bruce Lee and had the chance to face him in Enter the Dragon, where he got hit for real.
Drunken Master
Drunken Master was his breakout role, where he could combine martial arts with comedy, something that would become his thing from then on.
Loved Actor
Jackie Chan changed action cinema during the ‘80s and ’90s and became a beloved icon for many. He's not that popular back in Hong Kong, where his political views aren't shared by the majority.
First Strike
He wanted to bring fresh elements to his movies, and there's nothing fresher than fighting using a ladder.
Chun Li Cosplay
A frame from City Hunter (1993).
Action Comedy
Jackie Chan wanted to be the next Chaplin or the next Buster Keaton when everybody wanted him to be the next Bruce Lee. His words.
Jackie Chan Adventures
He even got his own animated TV show with five seasons.
Action Kung Fu
And his very own video game. An underrated fun action platformer.
'90s Jackie Chan
That's the face of a man who was on TV all the time in the '90s.
Roller Skating
He maintained a strict training regime, but he could also have some fun.
Lighting the Torch
He participated in the Torch relay for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Resting Between Shots
That's how a martial arts master rests.
One of a kind
His trajectory and legacy are hard to put into words, so the best thing is to watch him kick butt whenever you have the chance.
Who Am I?
One of his best works, full of action and dangerous stunts, all done by the man himself, no matter how risky.
Drama Roles
In the last decade, he's been in fewer action flicks and more dramas, where he's still showing he's a true professional.
The Legend
He was one of the first to do parkour on the big screen, popularizing the craft before it got its name.
