Who Is Jet Li? 10 Surprising Facts You Didn't Know About the Action Star
If you love action movies, then Jet Li (李连杰) needs no introduction. In his 30-year career, he has taken part in more than 100 movies, starring in classics such as Hero and Fearless. In recent years, however, he’s shifted from action movies to producing them, taking on roles behind the scenes instead of in front of the camera. Here are 10 things you might not know about him — and why you should keep an eye on him next time you decide to watch an action flick!
1) He was considered one of China's best looking men
Jet Li was born on April 26, 1963 in Beijing. His father was a poet and his mother was an actress. As a child he watched a lot of martial arts films, which sparked his interest in martial arts. When he was 18 years old, he left Beijing to study at Beijing Sport University where he majored in Chinese martial arts and became a well-known wushu coach. After graduating from university, he began teaching martial arts while also acting in films.
2) He almost made it into the World Wrestling Federation (WWE)
Jet Li's first love wasn't martial arts, but pro-wrestling. He wanted to be a wrestler since he was five years old. I watched a lot of Bruce Lee and I copied his moves, he says. But then I saw Hulk Hogan and Andre The Giant, who were much bigger than Bruce Lee. After some research, I found out that pro-wrestlers use oil for their matches so they can slip around more easily. I thought it was cheating and decided not to do it.
3) He doesn't know how to drive
Jet Li is one of China's most famous actors, as well as a martial artist, wushu champion, and international film star. However, there are many things about him that you probably don't know. For example, he doesn't know how to drive--he doesn't even have a driver's license! That makes sense considering it's illegal for non-Chinese citizens to apply for one in Beijing. He also revealed in an interview with The Telegraph that he has no plans to get behind the wheel any time soon, either. I'm not good at driving, said Li.
4) His real name is not Li
Li Lianjie (李连杰), or better known as Jet Li, is one of China's most famous martial arts movie stars. His first major film was Shaolin Temple in 1982, but he did not get international attention until his role in Once Upon a Time in China. He has starred in over 30 movies, and has been nominated for best actor at Cannes Film Festival and Berlin International Film Festival.
5) He didn’t always love martial arts
Li Lianjie (李连杰) was born in Beijing, China on April 26, 1963. He is a martial artist, actor, wushu champion and international film star. He is best known for his martial arts skills. His films have grossed over US$100 million worldwide.
#1: Li's father was a national-level wushu champion before he died when Li was just 18 months old.
6) He had a long marriage to his first wife Zhang Ziyi
Li Lianjie, better known as Jet Li, is a Chinese actor and martial artist. His first marriage to Zhang Ziyi has been shrouded in secrecy for years, but new reports have emerged shedding light on their relationship. The two met while shooting 2000's Romeo Must Die and continued dating after filming ended.
Zhang was just 18 at the time while Li was 38; they married when she turned 19.
Li filed for divorce three months later citing irreconcilable differences.
He had two children with his second wife: In 2012, he married one of his former bodyguards Qu Ying, who became pregnant soon after marrying him.
7) His daughter Angela has her own kung fu school in Beijing, China
Li Lianjie might be one of the most famous action stars in China, but he's also a loving father. The actor and director has two children, daughter Li Jiahui and son Jaycee. His daughter Angela has her own kung fu school in Beijing, China. Angela is recognized as one of China's leading female martial arts instructors, who teaches tai chi chuan, wu shu and other styles of kung fu.
8) The word wuxia comes from his name in Chinese 武俠 wǔxiá or Wu Xia.
Li Lianjie, better known by his stage name Jet Li, is a Chinese actor and martial artist. He is well-known for wuxia films such as Hero (2002) and Kiss of the Dragon (2001), as well as Hollywood action films such as Lethal Weapon 4 (1998) and The Expendables 2 (2012). Born in Beijing in 1963, he was an only child whose father left when he was two years old.
9) In 2004, he ranked third on Forbes magazine's list of highest paid actors with a salary of US$20 million.
Jet Li is a famous Chinese actor and filmmaker who has starred in a variety of American, Hong Kong and Chinese films. In 2004, he ranked third on Forbes magazine's list of highest paid actors with a salary of US$20 million. Some of his most famous films are Hero, Once Upon a Time in China, and Lethal Weapon 4. The martial arts expert has also been named as an honorary ambassador for UNICEF.
10) His retirement in 2013 made headlines worldwide.
Li Lianjie (李连杰) is a Chinese actor, film producer, and international martial artist. He's known for his acrobatic fighting style and Hollywood action films, such as Lethal Weapon 4.
He has been named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine.
He was born on April 26, 1963 in Beijing, China. His parents were both martial arts instructors who worked with Bruce Lee when he was young.
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