In a recent episode of the popular talk show “Friday Night With Jonathan Ross,” action star Jackie Chan appeared as a guest and shared some intriguing details about his childhood and martial arts training. Known as one of the biggest action stars in the world, Jackie Chan‘s journey to success had a rather unusual beginning.
As Jonathan Ross introduced Jackie Chan, he highlighted how the actor’s name is recognized worldwide. But what many do not know is the stranger beginning of Chan’s life. Born into a poor family, Chan revealed that his parents couldn’t afford to pay for hospital expenses. In fact, when he was just a baby, his parents planned to sell him to a British doctor for 250 pounds. Fortunately, a friend intervened and convinced Chan’s father to keep him.
The conversation soon turned to Chan’s martial arts training, specifically his time at the Peking Opera School. Ross was curious to know what kind of regime Chan endured at such a young age. Chan revealed that they would wake up at 5 o’clock in the morning and begin their training, which included running without bouncing and carrying cups of water without spilling them. Failure to accomplish these tasks would result in harsh consequences from the teachers.
The training didn’t stop there. Chan shared that they would spend one hour doing handstands, followed by rigorous punching and kicking routines. The most difficult poses were also a part of their training, and they had to hold these poses for extended periods of time. Ross was amazed by the intensity of the training and couldn’t help but express his admiration for Chan’s dedication.
Throughout the interview, the conversation shifted to Chan’s iconic movies and his co-stars. Ross mentioned how he was blown away by Chan’s early films such as “Drunken Master” and “Armor of God.” Chan revealed that his time at the opera school had provided him with the skills to perform his own stunts and martial arts moves on screen. Not only did he learn martial arts, but he also met future co-stars who are now renowned stars themselves in the world of Hong Kong cinema.
One of Chan’s most recent projects discussed during the interview was the remake of the classic film “The Karate Kid.” Jackie Chan trained Jaden Smith, son of Will Smith, in martial arts for several months in preparation for the movie. He spoke highly of Smith’s skills and was impressed by his dedication. Ross couldn’t help but express his excitement for the film, believing it would be a huge hit.
The conversation took a lighthearted turn as Ross asked Chan about doing his own stunts. Chan admitted that while he used to do most of his stunts, insurance issues prevented him from doing them all now. However, he shared some of the injuries he had endured throughout his career, including broken bones, cuts, and burns. Despite the risks and injuries, Chan’s love for action and making movies has kept him going strong.
Ross also praised Chan for his ability to balance action and comedy in his films. Chan’s movies always have a mix of thrilling action sequences and humorous moments, making them a unique blend of entertainment. Chan expressed his desire to be an actor who can fight, rather than just a fighter who can act. In recent years, he has been focusing more on his acting skills and taking on roles that allow him to showcase his versatility.
As the interview came to an end, Ross asked Chan about his favorite martial arts movies. Chan mentioned “Drunken Master II” and “Police Story” as two of his favorites, emphasizing the incredible action and storytelling in these films.
Overall, Jackie Chan‘s appearance on “Friday Night With Jonathan Ross” provided an entertaining and insightful look into his childhood, martial arts training, and career as an action star. The interview highlighted his dedication to his craft and showcased his unique blend of talent, making him one of the most beloved and iconic figures in the world of entertainment.
