The name Jet Li has become synonymous with brilliance, agility, and pure charismatic power among fans of martial arts and cinema worldwide. Beyond his breathtaking movies and jaw-dropping stunts, he also has an untold story about his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a philanthropic icon.
His journey began when he joined the Beijing Wushu Team at the age of eight. After his retirement from competitive Wushu at the age of 18, Li went on to establish himself as a renowned actor in China with his acting debut in the 1982 film Shaolin Temple.
Famous people have often been the subject of bizarre and fascinating stories throughout history, and Jet Li is no exception. The actor was once startled by an unanticipated and shocking incident during one of his earlier trips to the United States.
Jet Li’s Unforgettable Hotel Room Experience In The U.S.
There were rumors that Jet Li‘s hotel room had been bugged during his first visit to the US in 1974. The actor was asked if there was any truth to these rumors during a 2003 interview with TalkAsia (via CNN), and his response was startling:
“It’s true. At that time, China and America just started relationship between the two countries. It is so funny! When I went there I wanted to try they have a bug or not.”
He then began speaking aloud in front of the “mirrors” and expressing his desire for some chocolate and ice cream:
“So in New York, a big hotel, I talked to the mirrors say I want chocolate and I talked to the flower vase, I want an ice cream!”
He was surprised (and amused) when the sweets he wished for in his private room appeared by magic;
“So, next day …I opened the door, chocolates, ice cream, bananas…everything is on my table!”
Richard Nixon’s administration was discovered to have spied on political rivals using covert microphones, and the Chinese government was reportedly extremely cautious before sending the Wushu team on a tour of America because they knew they might be targeted for information.
They were so cautious, in fact, that they counseled the traveling team members to use extreme care in all circumstances, even in the privacy of their hotel rooms.
How Was Jet Li’s Meeting With the Then-U.S. President?
Jet Li is best known for his work in martial arts movies like Fearless, Romeo Must Die, Once Upon a Time in China, and many more. The actor, now 60, began training in martial arts when he was very young.
He was given the chance to perform in front of Richard Nixon, the then-President of the United States, at the young age of 11. The White House invited Li to perform a show for the 37th president of the United States with his Wushu team.
Li’s performance left Nixon speechless, and as a result, he offered to hire him as his bodyguard. The actor, who was quoted by Yahoo News, penned the following in an essay about his youth:
“As I remember, President Richard Nixon stood with one of my female teammates. At one point, Nixon turned towards me and said, ‘Young man, your kung fu is very impressive! How about being my bodyguard when you grow up?’”
Nixon may have made this remark in jest to cheer up young Li, but receiving a job offer from the president is definitely impressive.
Jet Li’s recent film appearance was as the Emperor of China in Niki Caro’s 2020 American fantasy action drama film, Mulan. Along with Donnie Yen, Tzi Ma, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Ron Yuan, and Gong Li, the movie also stars Liu Yifei in the title role.
You can stream Mulan on Disney Plus.
Source- CNN; Yahoo News
