Jackie Chan appeared as a guest in a David Letterman episode and admitted how he got so nervous when he received the invitation. The legendary action star also shared what his fans told him to do once he meets the host.
Chan has appeared in numerous local and international films, carving his name as one of the industry’s most prolific and successful action stars of this generation. Some of his most popular works include Rush Hour, The Karate Kid, and Kung Fu Panda.
Jackie Chan’s Fans Wanted Him To Beat David Letterman In His Show
In his 1996 interview with David Letterman, Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan shared that when he told the public that he would attend the host’s show as a guest, they all gave a surprised reaction. He said:
“Before I came to America, they said, ‘You know what, Jackie, you’re on David Letterman’s show.’ I said, ‘Yeah, so what? Another interview,’ but by the time all of friends or fans and the press, when I tell them, ‘I’m in David Letterman,’ [they say] ‘What? You’re in David Letterman? You know what, keep talking.’ Now it makes me very nervous.”
Because of the people’s wild reaction, Chan felt he needed to make extreme preparations for his interview. He continued:
“I’ve been prepared to come to this show for 10 days now. I cannot sleep. What kind of dress [should] I wear? As soon as I got to New York, I went to Fifth Avenue. I buy a new pair of shoes, new socks, new dress, even my underwear is new. Now I know how big you are.”
Letterman looked like his ego had a boost after Chan’s compliment. Furthermore, the actor shared what his fans told him to do once he meets the famed host:
“Yesterday, I was with my 2,000 fans, and I said, ‘I’m going to David’s show tomorrow.’ Two thousand [people] yelled at the same time. ‘What are you doing on the Letterman show?’ I say, ‘I don’t know. Please, tell me.’ They yelled the same time again, ‘Kick his butt.’”
Letterman gave a disappointed yet priceless reaction after the legendary action star mentioned that he should kick him live on the show. The audience also roared and clapped and was quite amused with the entire conversation. Soon after, Chan said he could not kick Letterman’s butt, though he could punch a glass of water – which he did on the show!
Jackie Chan Loves Performing His Own Stunts Despite The Risk Of Injuries
In the same interview, David Letterman asked about the injuries that Jackie Chan sustained while filming his movies. It’s no secret that the action star does all of his stunts, and many times he has already put his safety and health at risk. Chan shared his most lethal accident happened in Yugoslavia, which resulted in having a “hole” in his head.
The host asked Chan why he kept doing his stunts even though he could just hire another stuntman. The actor confessed:
“I like to do it. I’m happy to do that. Don’t worry.”
Chan also compared the action films in Hollywood where producers won’t let lead actors do their stunts, while in Asia, actors just keep on going despite suffering injuries just to get the perfect shot.
