Jackie Chan has been an extremely inspirational figure after his contribution to both Hong Kong and the North American film industries. He has been a part of several martial arts, and action comedy movies that have amassed huge figures at the box office. But if his words are to be believed then it was not always like this for the Rush Hour fame. There was also a time when he had to survive on other people’s plates.
Born to Chinese refugees, it was not always the same for Jackie Chan. Success didn’t come easy for the actor and he worked as a construction worker as well as in a restaurant before making it big as a worldwide star.
Also Read: Jackie Chan Changed His Real Name Because of Construction Workers in Australia
Jackie Chan has faced some of the most difficult days
After graduating from college, it was very hard for Jackie Chan to find a proper job. The martial artist started his journey in the movies after appearing in minor roles. He was mostly seen as an extra or a stunt double and even starred alongside Bruce Lee. After not quite a fruitful journey, the Shanghai Noon actor worked as a construction worker and also in a restaurant until New Fist of Fury turned his life in a new direction.
In an interview, the 69-year-old actor admitted how he went through a time when he was forced to steal from other people’s plates to survive. According to an interview, the Oscar-winner just waited until others left and then he checked on their plates and had to survive on their food- “That’s how I survived in the morning”
Jackie Chan has also been associated with charities and has been appreciated for his role as the UNICEF brand ambassador. It can be said that his days of poverty and struggle have made him understand many things. Sadly, it was also revealed in an interview that his parents almost planned to sell him to the British doctor as they didn’t have anything to pay the surgeon. It was some of his father’s friends who loaned them the money.
The Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow actor admitted that his family went through an extreme financial crisis to repay the debts- “My father had to eat tofu for two years so he could pay back his friends.”
Jackie Chan also had to work in adult films
Although Jackie Chan is known for his action comedy and martial arts films, he has also been a part of an adult film. The actor had to do several minor roles before rising to prominence. Surprisingly, he also had to work in an adult movie where he even appeared in a naked scene. He didn’t have any problem doing it as he was in a desperate search for work- “I had to do anything I could to make a living 31 years ago.”
However, the Drunken Master actor didn’t appear in any s*xual scene in his 1975 All in the Family and stated that even Marlon Brando appeared in such roles so he didn’t mind being a part.
The struggling days didn’t fade soon as the actor had trouble entering the North American market even after becoming big in Hong Kong. It was in 1995’s Rumble in the Bronx and then in Rush Hour that made him a global icon. After that, he has been a part of countless hits and has been a part of over 200 films and was also honored with the Academy Award for his “Extraordinary Achievements” in movies.
Source: YouTube
