Jackie Chan Celebrates 70th Birthday with Reflection on Stunt Work and Industry Legacy

Legendary actor and filmmaker Jackie Chan marked his 70th birthday with a reflective Instagram post, expressing gratitude for his ability to age gracefully despite his demanding stunt career.

In a heartfelt message, Chan acknowledged that reaching 70 was a shock to him but emphasized the importance of growing old, particularly for stunt performers like himself. He credited his big brother Sammo Hung for the wisdom that “being able to grow old is a fortunate thing.”

Addressing concerns about his appearance in recent photos, Chan clarified that his aged look was for a character in his latest movie, reassuring fans that it was not indicative of his actual health.

Chan, who has been in the Hollywood industry for an impressive 62 years, expressed his deep love for filmmaking and gratitude for still being able to work on projects at his age.

The actor’s post included a collage of nostalgic photos from his career, sourced by his diligent staff, evoking fond memories and appreciation for his journey in the entertainment world.

Among the well-wishers to celebrate Chan’s milestone was Johnny Knoxville, fellow stuntman and star of the Jackass franchise, who sent his birthday greetings on social media.

Another notable tribute came from actor and producer Will Smith, who thanked Chan for the impact he had on his family during the filming of The Karate Kid, where Smith’s son Jaden Smith starred alongside Chan in 2010.

Recently, Chan and Ethan Coen announced a new installment in The Karate Kid series, casting rising star Ben Wang in the lead role and commencing production on the highly-anticipated film.

Directed by Karen Rosenfelt and based on a screenplay by Rob Lieber, the upcoming Karate Kid movie is set to hit theaters in December 2024, promising a fresh chapter in the beloved franchise.