When Jackie Chan was awarded the prestigious Oscar Lifetime Achievement Award, his devoted fans couldn’t contain their excitement and joy as their idol finally received this esteemed recognition after many years of hard work. However, while many celebrated his achievements, few are aware of the struggles Jackie faced throughout his career. He has endured numerous injuries, sometimes leading to significant physical harm along the way.
Starting his career in the martial arts film industry, Jackie Chan initially faced challenges playing various supporting roles and often encountered injuries during filming. His first major incident occurred in 1975 while filming “Little Tiger of Canton.” During a scene, he was struck in the head and lost consciousness for a period.
By 1978, Jackie’s career began to flourish significantly, and audiences began to take notice, especially with his leading role in “Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow.” Although he was recognized, he still endured serious injuries during the production, such as suffering a deep cut while performing a stunt.
In the same year, photos showcasing Jackie’s missing two front teeth made headlines. While filming “The Fearless Hyena,” he suffered an injury that knocked out his teeth. Not only that, during another scene, he accidentally sliced his hand, resulting in excessive bleeding, and he required immediate medical attention.
Reflecting on the memorable “near-death” experiences, Jackie mentioned that while he was concerned during these incidents, he continued to perform regardless of the blood loss, which often made his scenes even more intense…
Jackie’s dedication to his craft has led to a long-lasting legacy in the film industry, yet he continues to face injuries even after achieving stardom. Many of his stunts are hazardous, contributing to a history of serious injuries. For instance, while filming “Armour of God” in 1986, he fell from a tree and suffered a severe head injury, resulting in a lengthy hospital stay.
Moreover, Jackie often recalls his near-fatal accidents, particularly during the filming of “The Myth” in 2005. At that time, he had to perform a stunt involving jumping from a high location. Despite not being very high, he ended up falling hard on the ground, suffering from a concussion that required an extended recovery period.
Even after gaining fame and becoming an A-list star in Hollywood, Jackie Chan continues to encounter frequent injuries due to his commitment to performing dangerous stunts himself. In 2002, he even contemplated leaving the film industry but ultimately found himself drawn back to the thrill of martial arts films, leading to more incredible action sequences for audiences.
Jackie Chan’s resilience and dedication to his craft not only highlight his incredible career but also the sacrifices he has made in pursuit of his passion.
