What is Jackie Chan's Net Worth and Salary?
Jackie Chan, a renowned Hong Kong-born movie star, boasts a net worth of $400 million. Chan began his journey as a stuntman in the 1960s, rising to fame in the 1970s for his acrobatic fighting style and innovative stunts in Hong Kong action films. His breakout moment came with the 1978 film "Drunken Master," showcasing his unique blend of martial arts, comedy, and stunts.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Chan starred in numerous successful Hong Kong action-comedy films like "Police Story," "Project A," and "Armour of God." His global popularity surged with the 1998 Hollywood action-comedy "Rush Hour," which co-starred Chris Tucker. Since then, Chan has appeared in various Hollywood and international productions, including the "Rush Hour" sequels, "Shanghai Noon," "The Tuxedo," and the "Kung Fu Panda" franchise. He continues to contribute to Hong Kong cinema, often as a director, producer, and writer in addition to acting.
Jaycee Chan Inheritance
Jackie's son, Jaycee Chan, has faced legal troubles, including a 2014 arrest in Beijing for drug charges. Initially facing a life sentence, Jaycee served only 148 days with Jackie's assistance. In a 2012 interview, Jackie revealed plans to donate his entire fortune to charity, stating that his children should earn their own money: "If he is capable, he can make his own money. If he is not, then he will just be wasting my money." Jackie also expressed regret for not sending Jaycee to the army for life experience and character building.
Early Life
Jackie Chan, born Chan Kong-sang on April 7, 1954, in Hong Kong, earned the nickname "Pao-pao" for his energetic nature as a child. Raised on the French consul grounds where his parents worked, Chan struggled academically and was later enrolled in the China Drama Academy. There, Chan excelled in acrobatics and martial arts, studying under Yu Jim-yuen and earning a black belt in Hapkido. He also trained in Karate, Judo, Taekwondo, and Jeet Kune Do. In the late '70s, after moving to Australia where his parents worked for the American embassy, Chan worked as a construction worker and earned the nickname "Jackie."
Early Film Career
Jackie Chan's film career began at age five, with his most significant early role at age eight in Big and Little Wong Tin Bar. After various minor roles, Chan signed with Great Earth Film Company, working as a stuntman in Bruce Lee's legendary films Fist of Fury and Enter the Dragon. His first starring role came in 1973 with Little Tiger of Canton. In 1976, director Lo Wei tried to mold Chan into the next Bruce Lee, but "New Fist of Fury" failed as Chan couldn't replicate Lee's style.
Mainstream Breakthrough
Chan's major breakthrough came with 1978's The Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, pioneering the comedic Kung-Fu genre. Later that year, Drunken Master solidified his fame, showcasing his complete control over stunt choreography. This success paved the way for his international career.
International Success
With the help of manager Willie Chan, Jackie began landing Hollywood roles, starting with 1980's The Big Brawl. While initial success was limited, Chan's daring stunts gained international attention. His 1995 film, Rumble in the Bronx, cultivated a massive cult following in North America. In 1998, Rush Hour made him a household name in America, grossing $130 million in the U.S. alone. Subsequent hits included Shanghai Noon and Rush Hour 2. Despite experiencing frustration with later Hollywood projects, Chan's fan base continued to grow. In 2023, it was announced that Chan would star in the $50 million sequel to 2005's The Myth titled A Legend.
Earnings
The Rush Hour franchise grossed $845 million globally. Chan's films have amassed $1.84 billion in U.S. and Canadian box office earnings, adjusting to $2.44 billion for inflation. Globally, his films have generated over $5 billion. Between June 2018 and June 2019, he earned $60 million, and another $40 million between June 2019 and June 2020.
Business Ventures
Beyond JCE Movies Limited, Chan owns various production companies and a cinema chain in China. He has a clothing line and food products range and is notably involved in charity, donating extensively to causes he supports.
Personal Life
In 1982, Chan married Taiwanese actress Joan Lin, and they had a son, Jaycee Chan. Chan later had an affair with Elaine Ng Yi-Lei, resulting in their daughter, Etta Ng Chok Lam, born in 1999. Despite claims of monthly financial support, Elaine's lawyer later disputed these transactions. In 2020, Jackie Chan faced an ownership dispute of his Beijing apartments, leading to an auction starting at $10.5 million.
