For fans of Chinese martial arts films, Jet Li is a well-known name. Born in 1963, he is a superstar who not only rose to fame through his kung fu films but also showcased exceptional acting skills, becoming a beloved icon of movies depicting heroism.
In the eyes of the Chinese audience, Jet Li represents the essence of traditional martial arts on screen. The superstar is even affectionately known as the “King of Martial Arts” and is regarded as a leading figure in the “diamond era” of martial arts cinema alongside other legends such as Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung, and Jackie Chan.
However, in recent years, Jet Li has distanced himself from the limelight, opting for a more private life. He rarely appears in films and seldom attends public events. His last notable film role was in Disney’s “Mulan,” released in 2020, where he made a brief appearance as a supporting character, enhancing the presence of Liu Yifei.
Despite not being actively involved in films, Jet Li spends his time focusing on his health and personal life. He enjoys moments with his two daughters and participates in gatherings with colleagues from the martial arts community.
A few days ago, a netizen shared a short video clip showing Jet Li appearing at Mount Wutai in Shanxi Province, China, on social media. In the clip, the “King of Martial Arts” is seen dressed in black and wearing a simple outfit, looking modest and unassuming. He walked down a staircase, seemingly unsteady and without assistance, which raised concerns among viewers about his health.
Following the release of the video, many fans expressed their worries about Jet Li’s health status. Comments such as “He seems to struggle while descending the stairs,” “Jet Li is getting old,” “His movements are no longer agile,” and “Actors often experience rapid aging due to the intense training they undergo” reflected the community’s concern.
Alongside these concerns, some insights noted that Jet Li, now over 60, naturally experiences health decline, slower movements, and difficulties with balance.
At the age of 62, Jet Li continues to practice martial arts but acknowledges that his body is not as resilient as it once was. Currently, the “King of Martial Arts” has to take medication to manage his hyperthyroidism, along with dealing with chronic injuries throughout his body like joint pain, muscle aches, and migraines. His hyperthyroidism poses risks, potentially leading to serious health complications, which is why he has chosen to live a more restrained lifestyle.
At 62, Jet Li dedicates much of his time to studying Buddhism and participates in meditation retreats in various locations. Due to his prolonged absence from the public eye, he often receives well-wishes from fans. This situation has led Jet Li to reflect on the more challenging circumstances surrounding his life.
“When I traveled to Tibet, a monk told me something profound: ‘The world is not easy for you, we are worried about you.’ This made me determined to take care of myself,” Jet Li humorously recalled.
In recent years, Jet Li has also touched the hearts of many with his commitment to health and well-being, showing that even in aging, one can still find peace and purpose.
As of 2023, during a book-sharing event in Dalian, China, Jet Li confirmed that he is still facing health challenges.
