Jackie Chan is a martial arts icon who transformed the Hollywood action movie genre. While many thought he would follow in the footsteps of the legendary Bruce Lee, Chan developed his signature style. He began his training at the age of six when he attended a Peking opera school named China Drama Academy. There under the tutelage of master Yu Jim-yuen, he mastered the art of Chinese Kung Fu.

While Bruce Lee pioneered realist action using martial arts, Chan pioneered action comedy. However, in the 70s, the iconic actor nearly gave up on his acting dreams.

The day Jackie Chan crumbled

After Bruce Lee died in 1973, the Hong Kong film industry faced a crisis. Chan, who had then made a name for himself as a great stuntman, suddenly found it hard to find work. He reached out to his childhood friend Sammo Hung, who told him, “Never mind finding work for you, I might not be able to hang on to my own job.” 

By 1973, Jackie Chan had stepped away from the Hong Kong film industry. Chan’s parents worked at the American Consulate in Australia, where he first began working in construction, and then took another job at a restaurant. The young martial artist began focusing on his two jobs, trying to forget everything about kung fu, stunts, and movies. While he learned a lot, Chan wasn’t happy.

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“I’ve spent so many years mastering kung fu, and it’s useless. I have nothing, I don’t know what I’m doing,” he told his mother in tears. The martial artist’s animated reaction came after his mother confronted him about working two jobs and giving himself no time. She told her son that working in construction or serving people in restaurants was not what he had trained for.

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A life-changing telegram

While Chan was trying to forget about his dream, the Hong Kong film industry didn’t forget about the young actor. With the Hong Kong film industry back on its feet, he received a telegram from producer Willie Chan, who was getting ready to make a new movie.

Chan initially thought he was being hired as a stuntman. However, the martial arts icon could barely believe it when he read, “We want you to play the lead role”. They had offered Chan $3,000 Hong Kong dollars ($350) for the role, which was not a lot. It took Chan only a few seconds to decide, but once he did, the rest became history.

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Jackie Chan goes on to inspire several others to not give up on their dreams. What do you think about this icon’s rise to stardom? Let us know in the comments.