Bruce Lee was a global icon. While he became famous across the globe for his revolutionary action cinema, Bruce Lee was much more than just an action hero. A true martial artist, Lee devoted hours to reading about his craft and philosophy. With his knowledge, the Little Dragon invented a new form of martial art that many call the world’s first mixed martial art. His unique take on the philosophy of life also continues to inspire millions. Only Jackie Chan’s name comes to mind when looking for Lee’s equals.

However, even Jackie Chan, another global icon, the spiritual successor of Lee, the man who revolutionized the action comedy genre, once admitted he could never replicate a special trait that Lee had.

How Jackie Chan considered himself lesser than Bruce Lee

In his biography, Chan wrote about something Lee possessed that he didn’t. In Chapter 3: My Deepest, Only Regret, the marital arts icon talks about his distaste for school. He didn’t learn to “read and write or do math.” However, the filmmaker Feng Xiaogang once told Chan, “Jackie, if you?d worked harder at school, you wouldn?t be Jackie Chan now.”

While the actor agreed he said, “I really wish I possessed more knowledge. I often misuse words when I?m talking, which leads to many misunderstandings.” Chan then wrote about the Jeet Kune Do founder. “Bruce Lee was an educated man and even studied philosophy. As a result, his words were always very deep,” said Jackie Chan.

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Chan then mentioned Lee’s “Be like water, my friend,” quote. It was one of the visionary filmmaker’s most famous quotes. He admitted, “Only someone with a good education could have made that excellent speech. I could never come up with something that meaningful.” In his book Jackie Chan: Never Grow Up, the actor said he often referred to himself as an “oaf” but, over the years, has studied and learned as much as he could.

Jackie Chan on working with the Little Phonix

Not just in his book, but Jackie Chan has praised Bruce Lee numerous times. Chan worked with the Little Phoenix on The Fist of Fury (1972) and, Enter The Dragon (1973). Back then, he worked as a stuntman in films produced in Hong Kong. Chan recalled seeing the Little Dragon surrounded by stuntmen and thinking, “Wow! That?s a Bruce Lee.”

However, the young stuntman would learn that while Lee might have looked intimidating, he was a kind person. While filming Enter the Dragon, Lee accidentally struck Chan. “He runs to me and lifts me. ‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry.'” said Chan. While he didn’t get hurt, Chan pretended to be hurt, so he could hold Lee’s attention a little longer. The Little Dragon also made sure that Chan received medical attention.

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A legend in his own right, Jackie Chan has nothing but respect for Bruce Lee.