watch
Jackie Chan
Wed 17th Dec - 7:00PM


Jackie Chan biography
Jackie Chan history
Jackie Chan facts
Jackie Chan video clips
Jackie Chan photos
Jackie Chan story
Jackie Chan discography
Jackie Chan photographs
Jackie Chan bio
Jackie Chan info
Jackie Chan curious
Jackie Chan images
Jackie Chan quotes
Jackie Chan films
Jackie Chan filmography

The amenable martial arts star has created a one man film industry, forged on his ability to combine high kicks with easy gags and slapstick humour.

The hit films - 'The Cannonball Run', 'Shanghai Noon', 'Rush Hour' - are totally formulaic, which is just what his legions of fans like.

Chan claimed his family were so poor when he was born, that they offered to sell him to the British doctor who delivered him. However, they reconsidered the sale, and moved to Australia to work at the US embassy.

At the age of seven, Chan returned to Hong Kong alone and was apprenticed to the Chinese Opera Research Institute, where he was rigorously trained in music, dance, and traditional martial arts.

He made his feature acting debut in the Cantonese film, 'Big and Little Wong Tin Bar'.

In 1971, he rejoined his parents in Australia, but it wasn't long before he returned to Hong Kong, and adopted the stage name Chen Yuan Long.
Chan found work as a stunt man and martial arts fighter, with his first film role as an adult in 'Little Tiger from Canton'.

His talent soon saw him graduating first to stunt co-ordinator, and then to director, before receiving his first credit as martial arts director for 'The Heroine', in which he also starred.

Following the death of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, the search was on for a popular replacement, so Jackie decided, rather than emulating Lee, he would develop his own style of filmmaking.

By 1978 he had become the most popular martial arts star in Asia since Lee, the iconic star of 'Enter The Dragon' and the like.

His directorial debut 'The Young Master' in 1980 was a milestone in martial arts films, being the first to effectively combine slapstic comedy with high-energy action.

In 1985, he had to form the Jackie Chan Stuntmen Association, after so many stuntmen were injured during the making of 'Police Story' that none were willing to work with him again.

He directed and starred in 'Armor of God' and 'Mr Canton and Lady Rose', two of Hong Kong's highest-grossing films, and formed his own production company, Golden Way. A flood of US film roles followed, including 'Rumble in the Bronx', 'First Strike', 'Supercop', 'Operation Condor' and 'Mr Nice Guy'.

'Rush Hour' in 1998 proved to be a box office hit, teaming the martial artist with comic actor Chris Tucker. As a result of this success they re-teamed again in 2001 for the sequel, 'Rush Hour 2'.

Now geared almost exlusively to the Western market, 'The Tuxedo' and 'Shanghai Knights' followed up his earlier success, opposite Owen Wilson in 'Shanghai Noon'.

Recent work includes the well-below-par 'The Medallion', which saw him mismatched with Lee Evans as an Interpol operative.

Whilst performing his own stunts, Jackie has broken his nose three times, his ankle once, most of the fingers in his hand, both cheekbones, and his skull.
Jackie Chan biography



He has been credited in films as: Jacky Chan, Yuan Lung Chan, Yuen-Lung Chan,Lung Chen, Long Cheng, Wellson Chin, Chan Yuan Lung, Chen Lung, Sing Lung.

He has been married to Feng-Jiao Lin, a highly respected actress in the Chinese film industry, since 1983.

He always believes in performing his own stunts and asks that the actors and actresses in his movies also do this.

A member of his fan club committed suicide after finding out he was married.

He has incurred many injuries from performing his own stunts including many breakages and a permanant hole in his head.

He has his own stunt man team called Sing Ga Ban or Jackie Chan Stuntman Association.

In 1976 he underwent plastic surgery to give himself a more 'Western' look.
Jackie Chan biography



Some of these programmes have been translated into English and so may not be a

Rush Hour 3 (2005)

Joe's Last Chance (2004)

Time Breaker (2004)

Huadu Chronicles: Blade of the Rose, The (2004)

Police Story 5 (2004) (Hong Kong: English title)

Around the World in 80 Days (2004)

Enter the Phoenix (2004)

Miss World 2003 (2003) - Judge

Medallion, The (2003)

Vampire Effect (2003)

Shanghai Knights (2003)

Tuxedo, The (2002)

Rush Hour 2 (2001)

aka Accidental Spy, The (2001)

Shanghai Noon (2000)

Gen-X Cops (1999)

Choi kek ji wong (1999)

King of Comedy, The (1999)

Gorgeous (1999)

Rush Hour (1998)

Jackie Chan's Who Am I? (1998)

Mr. Nice Guy (1998)

First Strike (1996)

Jackie Chan's First Strike (1997)

Thunderbolt (2003)

Rumble in the Bronx (1996)

Drunken Fist II (1994)

Police Story 4: Project S (1993)

New Police Story (1993)

City Hunter (1993)

Police Story 3 (1992)

Double Dragon (1992)

Kid from Tibet, A (1992)

Operation Condor (1997)

New Killers in Town (1990)

Burning Island, The (1990)

"Celebrity Talk Show" (1989)

Miracles: The Canton Godfather (1989)

Police Story Sequel (1988)

Fei lung maang jeung (1988)

Flying Dragon Fierce Challenge (1987)

Project A, Part II (1987)

Operation Condor 2: The Armour of Gods (1999)

Naughty Boys (1986)

Jackie Chan's Police Force (1985)

Heart of the Dragon (1985)

Ninja Thunderbolt (1985)

Protector, The (1985)

My Lucky Stars 2: Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars
(1985)

Lucky Stars Superior Shine (1985)

Million Dollar Heiress (1984)

Fantasy Mission Force (1984)

Shen yong shuang xiang pao (1984)

Cannonball Run II (1984)

Fearless Hyena Part II, The (1983)

Jackie Chan's Project A (1983) (USA)

Dragon Lord (1982)

Ninja Wars (1982)

Cannonball Run, The (1981)

Big Brawl, The (1980)

Half a Loaf of Kung Fu (1980)

Young Master, The (1980)

Long quan (1979)

Dragon Fist (1979)

Fearless Hyena, The (1979)

Snake & Crane Arts of Shaolin (1978)

Bruce Vs. Snake in Eagle's Shadow (1978)

Karate Ghostbuster (1978)

Drunken Monkey in the Tiger's Eyes (1978)

Magnificent Bodyguards (1978)

Master and the Boxer (1977)

To Kill with Intrigue (1977)

Jackie Chan Versus (Jimmy) Wang Wu (1976)

Shaolin Wooden Men... Young Tiger's Revenge
(1976)

Hand of Death (1976)

New Fist of Fury (1976)

All in the Family (1975)

No End of Surprises (1975)

Fists of the Double K (1974)

Little Tiger of Canton (1974)

Golden Lotus, The (1974)

Police Woman (1974)

Supermen Against the Orient (1974)

Facets of Love (1973)

Return to China (1973)

Enter the Dragon (1973)

Operation Dragon (1973)

Tie wa (1973)

Kung Fu Girl (1973)

Lady Kung Fu (1972)

Unicorn Palm, The (1972)

Blood Fingers (1972)

Fist of Fury (1972) (UK)

Big Drunk Hero (1966)

Story of Qiu Glin, The (1964)

Big and Little Wong Tin Bar (1962)
Jackie Chan biography




'Changeling': Fact behind the Fiction
‘Changeling’, Clint Eastwood’s latest effort starring Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich, is based on the sad tale of Christine Collins, a woman whose son was murdered and replaced by another child in a horrific case of LAPD corruption. In this special feature, we will investigate how closely Eastwood stayed to the true story.
Leonardo DiCaprio: Beauty and the Bored
Upon seeing Sienna Miller or Liz Hurley pouting seductively on endless magazine covers, airbrushed within an inch of still being classified as human, one can’t help but wonder whether Darwin could see this one coming. It seems that the evolution of mankind has led to world where beauty can get you on a first class trip to the top whereas brains are the ticket to a desk job.
'Choke' Film Review
Adapted from another story by Chuck Palahniuk, writer of the sublime 'Fight Club', 'Choke' sadly fails to measure up, stripping away the darker themes which characterise Palahniuk's work.
'Changeling' Film Review
The latest offering from the Eastwood/Jolie dream team could have benefited from more focus, but it is a heart-rending and emotional tale with stunning performances from the whole cast.
The Brit Pack
On the search for what makes a very British movie, Mike Edwards looks at the actors, directors and genres which have defined British cinematic identity, and in turn, shaped the identity of the British people.
The Biography Channel HD launches
The Biography Channel is excited to announce the launch of High Definition viewing.
From Callahan to Bourne: The men who took on James Bond
With the release of 'Quantum of Solace' exciting the Bond fan in us all, Michael Edwards looks at those brave souls - from Harry Callahan to Jason Bourne - who sought to topple Bond through subversion, espionage or just full on head-to-head combat on the big screen.
Sir Roger Moore in Conversation
The man with the raised eyebrow, beloved star of the James Bond films, TV series 'The Saint' and countless other escapades of the big and small screen, discusses his childhood, career, UNICEF and the mixed blessings of grandchildren.
Jude’s Law: Love The One You’re With
In the immortal words of Sir Mick Jagger, ‘you can’t always get what you want’. So why is that we insist on peaking over our neighbours fences only to decide that their grass is a much better shade of green than ours? Perhaps a look at Jude Law’s infamous relationship with Sienna Miller can provide us with the answer.
'W.' Film Review
‘W.’ is a safe, feel-good look at the most powerful man in the world, but does however provide a compelling look at the private side of Bush, especially his relationships with his wife, mother, brother and especially his father.
‘Pushing the boundaries’ or ‘malicious and offensive’?
Brand, Ross and the answer phone message: a 'gross lapse of taste' or a taste of British comedy warped by the media?
Celebrity News Roundup
From Bond to Brand, Tennant to Katona: the highs and lows of Celebrity news.
The Secret Life of Women in Film
'The Secret Life of Bees' boasts a stellar cast of women leads - with a side serving of Paul Bettany. Writer/director Gina Prince-Blythewood and arguably the most powerful US female producer, Lauren Shuler Donner, talk about their new movie, the difficulties facing films led by women - on and off the screen - and Hugh Jackman in 'Wolverine'.
Bad Boy Bond
We're all loving Daniel Craig's dark anti-hero of James Bond - but for how long? Can this 007 evolve into the quintessential charmer his predecessors so lovingly created?
Troopergate: A Question of Ethics
The ‘troopergate’ incident poses a massive threat to Sarah Palin's reputation and her presidential campaign. Elli Lewis asks whether it is representative of her past - and future - actions.
The Magic of Sir David Jason
As Terry Pratchett's 'The Colour of Magic' comes to DVD, we celebrate the life and work of national treasure Sir David Jason.
'The Baader Meinhof Complex' Film Review
The latest weighty historical film from Germany, 'The Baader Meinhof Complex' is a riveting drama which asks challenging questions about democracy, terrorism and conflict in the Middle East.
'Burn After Reading' Film Review
If there's a left of left-field, that's where you'll find this latest madcap comedy romp from the Coen Brothers. It doesn't quite manage to bring George Clooney and Brad Pitt face to face but Pitt and JK Simmons are the scene stealers from an outstanding cast.
The Times BFI London Film Festival Videos
Film stars, directors and writers are being caught on camera every day on the Leicester Square red carpet. From the 'Frost/Nixon' openign gala all the way through to the 'Quantum of Solace' premiere, wehave all video highlights from every day of Britain's most prestigious film festival.
Peaches and Cream
Think you have a bad case of sibling rivalry on your hands? Try competiting for the attention of mummy, daddy and the adoring public and press like the Geldolf sisters...
‘Frost/Nixon’ Film Review
An American president makes the mistake of his career, and in a fierce duel of wit and words, a British chat show host is the one to make him admit it. And Matthew MacFadyen strips naked and runs into the sea. What more can one want?
'Anvil: The Story of Anvil' Film Review
When you've poured 30 years of your life into something that hasn't paid off, do you keep going?
'Nights in Rodanthe' Film Review
Richard Gere and Diane Lane still share that loving feeling, dealing out a moving, resonant romantic drama.
'Brideshead Revisited' Interviews
Stars Emma Thompson, Matthew Goode, Hayley Atwell and Ben Wishaw talk about their new film and why it should be seen as an adaptation of the original book, not the classic TV series.
'How To Lose Friends & Alienate People' Film Review
For a rom-com, 'How To Lose Friends' aquits itself remarkably well, largely thanks to some excellent casting and performances from Simon Pegg, Jeff Bridges and Megan Fox.
Breaking Up: The Jennifer Aniston Way
We've all suffered through a rubbish break-up (or three) but imagine doing it in the sharp eye of the public! Elli Lewis looks at lessons for us mortal folk as learned from our favourite celebs.
The Father of Fear – John Carpenter
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic film directors, John Carpenter belongs to a very particular class of filmmakers. His legendary status comes from having written, directed, edited and scored the music for horror and sci-fi classics such as 'Escape from New York', 'The Thing', 'They Live' and, of course, 'Halloween'.
'The Fall' Film Review
Not for people who demand a cracking pace and instantaneous gratification, ‘The Fall’ is a stunning visual triumph which will delight those willing to invest two hours in a brave and fantastically rewarding adventure tale.
Behind the Scenes of ‘Spooks’
Read what goes on behind the scenes in BBC's 'Spooks', with an intimate and engaging Q&A with crew and cast members, past and present...
Liam Neeson Interview
We caught up with actor Liam Neeson ('Michael Collins', 'Star Wars', 'Les Miserables') at the premiere of his latest film, 'Taken'. Read more inside...
'Brideshead Revisited' Film Review
Stalwart fans of Evelyn Waugh's novel or the Jeremy Irons 1981 series were never going to be pleased, but the for the rest of us, 'Brideshead Revisited' is easy on the eye and challenging on the soul.
'Taken' Film Review
There's not much to think about, but plenty to watch in Liam Neeson's new action flick.
Could you be Al Pacino's Girlfriend?
Al Pacino is certainly a man about town at the moment, with not one but two new flicks playing on a screen near you. We ask whether you could be the perfect match for the perennial bachelor boy.
The Film Trailer Park
It's a bumper year in the cinema and we have the trailers for all the hottest flicks coming your way, from Daniel Craig's second Bond outing in 'Quantum of Solace' to Frank Miller's extraordinary film 'The Spirit', starring Samuel L Jackson, Scarlett Johansson and Eva Mendes.
'Tropic Thunder' London Premiere
Read on for all the glitz and glamour in the jungle, as Leicester Square is transformed into a scene from new action comedy 'tropic Thunder'.
'The Foot Fist Way' Film Review
It's like finding David Brent on the big screen. Will Ferrell found it at Sundance and now he's exporting this indie martial arts comedy it to the world.
'Righteous Kill' London Premiere
BIO has all the news and interviews from the London premiere of the new De Niro and Pacino thriller.
'Tropic Thunder' Film Review
It's the film of the true story behind the making of the most fake true story ever told... or something like that. Mostly it's an excuse to have a good old time blowing a lot of stuff up, including the director, and that's just about enough.
'RocknRolla' Film Review
Fans of Guy Ritchie rejoice, the master hath returneth to the fold.
'The Duchess' Film Review
Keira Knightly and Ralph Fiennes brigng drama, tragedy and dignity to this adaptation of Amanda Foreman's biography of Georgiana Spencer.
'The Duchess' Press Conference with Keira Knightly
Promoting their new film, stars Keira Knightly, Hayley Atwell, Dominic Cooper and director Saul Dibb discuss life, sex and the woes of London real estate.
'Get Smart' Film Review
It's very Mel Brooks, which means 'Get Smart' hits the mark with a fine blend of updated concept and loving tribute to the original TV series.
'The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor' Film Review
Intrepid adventurer Rick O'Connell is back in big trouble in little China in this third installment of the Mummy franchise.
'The X-Files: I Want To Believe' Film Review
This film could certainly have benefitted with a heftier dose of the paranormal, but it does present a challenging meditation on faith.
'The X-Files: I Want To Believe' Euro Premiere
BIO was on the Leicester Square red carpet to greet the stars and speak to David Duchovny and Chris Carter.
'Kung Fu Panda' Film Review
DreamWorks finally throws a glove down to Pixar with this loveable laugh-fest.
'The Dark Knight' Film Review
The Dark Knight is a hell of a ride, not for the faint hearted.
'WALL•E' Film Review
Pixar has done it again. A small, rusty garbage compaction unit will bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye. Buy 'N Large.
Little Britain in Hollywood...
Sarah Barnard takes a look at the growing band of British exports to Tinseltown.
Second Wind Wonders
Take That started it, now Led Zeppelin have raised the bar - take a look at the bands who couldn't say goodbye.

   

c
The Biography Channel is a registered trademark of A&E Television Networks | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact Us | Advertise with Us

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |