Portal:Hong Kong/Selected article/2007/September

Jackie Chan (born April 7, 1954 in Victoria Peak, Hong Kong) is a Chinese actor, director, martial artist, film producer, screenwriter, singer and stunt performer.

Chan is one of the best-known names in kung fu and action films worldwide for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, use of improvised weapons and innovative stunts. He has appeared in over 100 films and has received stars on the Hong Kong Avenue of Stars and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A Cantopop star, he has released 20 albums since 1984 and sung many of the theme songs for the films in which he has starred.

Chan started training in martial arts and acrobatics in 1960 at the Chinese Drama Academy, a Peking Opera School under the tutelage of Master Yu Jim Yuen. He started his movie career at the age of 17 as a stunt performer for Bruce Lee in the films Fist of Fury and Enter the Dragon.

Chan created his screen persona as a response to Bruce Lee, and the numerous imitators who appeared before and after Lee's death. In contrast to Lee's characters, who were typically stern, morally upright heroes, Chan plays well-meaning, slightly foolish regular guys (often at the mercy of their friends, girlfriends or families) who always triumph in the end despite the odds.