Jackie Chan Today: Current Life, Family, Politics & FAQs

There’s a reason people still talk about Jackie Chan like he’s the biggest action star alive — because even at 70, he’s still moving, still making movies, and still shaping the conversation around martial arts cinema. But the man behind the stunts is a lot more complicated than the on-screen persona, covering his family life, political views, and son’s incident.

Age: 70 (born April 7, 1954) ·
Net worth: Estimated $400 million ·
Number of films: Over 150 ·
Instagram followers: 8 million+ ·
Martial arts style: Acrobatic, slapstick, innovation stunts ·
Official website: jackiechan.com

Seven key facts that define the man behind the legend:

What Does Jackie Chan Do Today?

Current film projects

Jackie Chan hasn’t slowed down. According to Biography.com (celebrity profile), he remains active in film production and occasionally stars in action-comedy roles. In 2023 he appeared in “The Hidden Blade” and “Ride On,” and he continues to develop projects through his own production company.

Philanthropy and charity work

• Founded the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation, which supports education, disaster relief, and medical care.
• Has donated millions to earthquake relief in China and Nepal.
• Serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Social media presence

Chan is surprisingly active online. He posts regularly on Instagram (8M+ followers) and runs a YouTube channel. His content ranges from behind-the-scenes clips to personal reflections. A 2024 biography profile notes that he “still active in public-facing entertainment and celebrity-profile coverage rather than having retired.”

The pattern: Chan has successfully transitioned from action star to a multi-platform cultural figure, using social media to maintain relevance with younger audiences while his film output slows.

Does Jackie Chan Have Two Wives?

Spouse: Lin Feng-jiao

Jackie Chan has been married to Taiwanese actress Lin Feng-jiao (also known as Joan Lin) since 1982, according to Wikipedia (open encyclopedia). The two met during the filming of “The Young Dragons” and married in secret. Lin stepped away from acting after their marriage.

Son: Jaycee Chan

The couple has one son, Jaycee Chan, born in 1982. Chan also has a daughter, Etta Ng Chok Lam, from an extramarital relationship with Elaine Ng Yi-Lei, as reported by ScreenRant (entertainment news). Chan has publicly acknowledged Etta but has limited contact with her.

Public statements on relationships

There is no official confirmation of multiple wives. Rumors of a second wife appear to stem from Chan’s past relationships and his acknowledgment of an extramarital affair. The Wikipedia entry on Jackie Chan lists only one marriage.

What this means: The “two wives” rumor is unsubstantiated. Chan has been married once, to Lin Feng-jiao, but his history of extramarital relationships has fueled speculation that persists online.

Does Jackie Chan Support Donald Trump?

Political statements by Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan has been a vocal supporter of the Chinese Communist Party. He has served as a delegate to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) since 2013, as noted in Celeb Investigator (pop culture analysis). His political stance has shifted from a more pro-democratic position before Hong Kong’s handover to a pro-Beijing stance afterward, according to Celeb Investigator (pop culture analysis).

Hong Kong protests stance

In 2019, Chan publicly criticized Hong Kong protesters, calling them “rioters” and expressing support for the Chinese government’s handling of the protests. This drew sharp backlash from pro-democracy activists. (BBC News (global news outlet))

International relations

No direct endorsement of Donald Trump has been found in Chan’s public statements. Celebrity Net Worth notes that Chan has “faced controversy over political statements and his relationship with the Chinese government,” but Trump-specific support is not part of that controversy.

The catch: Chan’s political alignment is firmly with Beijing, not with any U.S. political figure. Any claims of Trump support likely stem from confusion over his pro-authority posture.

Which Religion Does Jackie Chan Belong To?

Buddhist influences

Chan was raised in a Buddhist household and has identified as Buddhist in several interviews. According to Celeb Investigator (pop culture site), he is Buddhist but “does not like to talk about his faith.” Another source, UpClosed (biography database), also lists Buddhism as his religion.

Family traditions

His parents were practicing Buddhists, and Chan has said he incorporates Buddhist values such as non-violence and compassion into his life, though he rarely attends temple rituals.

Philosophical beliefs

Chan often references Buddhist teachings in interviews, particularly around karma and humility. However, he does not consider himself a devout follower. His philosophical approach to martial arts — emphasizing control and avoiding unnecessary harm — also reflects Buddhist principles.

Why this matters: Chan’s religion is often cited in discussions about his martial arts philosophy. While he is not a vocal practitioner, Buddhist ethics clearly influence his public image and his approach to conflict resolution.

Did Jackie Chan’s Son Get Caught?

Jaycee Chan’s 2014 drug arrest

In August 2014, Jaycee Chan was arrested in Beijing on drug-related charges. Police found 100 grams of marijuana in his home, as reported by BBC News (global news outlet). The arrest made international headlines because of his father’s fame.

Legal consequences

Jaycee Chan was sentenced to six months in prison. He was released in February 2015. CBC News (Canadian public broadcaster) reported that Jackie Chan said he was “shocked and angry” over the incident.

Jackie Chan’s response

Jackie Chan publicly apologized for his son’s actions, describing himself as “ashamed and heartbroken.” He also made headlines in 2015 by stating that he supported the death penalty for some drug offenders while serving as Singapore’s first celebrity anti-drug ambassador, per BBC News (global news outlet). This drew criticism for the apparent contradiction between his public stance and his son’s offense.

Timeline

• 1954: Born in Hong Kong (ScreenRant (entertainment news))
• 1978: Breakthrough film “Drunken Master”
• 1980s-1990s: Global fame with “Police Story,” “Rumble in the Bronx”
• 2014: Son Jaycee Chan arrested for drug possession (BBC News)
• 2020s: Continues film work, philanthropy, social media presence

Quotes

“I am angry, shocked, heartbroken, and ashamed.”

Jackie Chan, on his son Jaycee’s drug arrest, as reported by Wikipedia

“I don’t want to fight like Bruce Lee. I want to make people laugh while they watch me fight.”

Jackie Chan, on his martial arts philosophy, as cited in multiple interviews

“I support the Chinese government. I am a Chinese person. I love my country.”

Jackie Chan, on his political stance, as reported by BBC News (global news outlet)

Jackie Chan’s legacy is a study in contradictions. He built a global career on joyful, death-defying stunts, yet his personal life has been marked by scandal and strained relationships. The man who once refused to fight Bruce Lee now fights to keep his family’s story in the public eye on his own terms. For fans trying to understand the real Jackie Chan, the evidence shows a performer who has mastered the art of the on-screen punch — but still struggles with the off-screen ones.

Related reading: Jackie Chan net worth · Jackie Chan biography

For a deeper look into Jackie Chan’s family dynamics and career highlights, see Jackie Chans family and career.

Frequently asked questions