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Not Becoming the Next Bruce Lee Proved to Be a Blessing in Disguise for Jackie Chan

Published 12/04/2022, 6:45 PM EST

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Actors are often compared to each other for their performance. 68-year-old Jackie Chan has worked on several Hollywood and Hong Kong-based films and is a global icon now, once had to go through immense pressure and scrutiny to step into Bruce Lee’s shoes. However, Chan’s faith in himself that turned his career to the highway once he realized his strength. 

Through his martial art skills and acting talent, Chan became popular in both the eastern and western worlds. Moreover, by 2016, Chan’s net worth was $350 million, becoming the second-highest-paid actor in the world.  

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Jackie Chan followed his own path to success

Actor and martial artist Bruce Lee left an unforgettable mark on the Hong Kong film industry. He had a definite style of fighting and acting in his movies. It made people go gaga over his stardom. However, after Bruce Lee’s demise in 1973, the filmmakers and the audience missed seeing him on screen. Several Hong Kong-based actors were on the list to fill Bruce Lee’s void. One of the most promising actors at that time was Jackie Chan.

Chan was compelled to shoot several movies similar to Bruce Lee. Directors instructed him to fight like him. For example, Lee tended to fight with high kicks, whereas Chan fought with lower kicks. 

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After Bruce Lee’s death, Chan appeared in several Lee-inspired films like Shaolin Wooden Men, To Kill with Intrigue, and more, which did not work for the audience. He was heavily criticized for his average portrayal of Lee. Jackie Chan knew that he was not meant to become like Bruce Lee. He wanted to retain his own identity. As a result, he made Snake in The Eagle’s Shadow, which was an interesting mix of comedy and Chan’s unique fighting style. It received immense love from the audience, making Chan land on his road to self-made success.

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Chan once received a beating from his father in childhood

Jackie Chan did not have an easy childhood. He had a strict father who taught him martial arts with complete dedication. However, once Jackie used his skills to beat a boy, black and blue, for teasing his girlfriend, Sophie.

via Imago

His father saw him misuse his power. He did not waste a minute lashing at Jackie with his build. He scolded him badly for misusing his skills. Later, Chan understood the right use of martial arts. 

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Watch This Story: Bodybuilding Legend Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Built Compared to Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan

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Written by:

Muskan Sharma

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Muskan Sharma is a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. She has a degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta. Muskan has worked as a writer for 3+ years but has a knack for filmmaking, too.
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