
By Jody Jensen Shaffer, Who HQ, Gregory Copeland (Illustrator)
Part of the Who Was . . . ? series
Discover how a young martial artist became a global film icon.
Explore the journey of Kong-sang, a boy from Hong Kong who transformed into Jackie Chan, the international film superstar. From martial arts training at the China Drama Academy to performing daring stunts in blockbuster hits like Rush Hour and Shanghai Noon, Jackie’s relentless pursuit of his passion for comedy and action made him a beloved icon. What challenges did he overcome, and how did his unique style captivate audiences worldwide? Dive into this biography to uncover the secrets behind his enduring success and the legacy of his thrilling, comedic performances that continue to dazzle fans.
"Boys and girls in black-and-white outfits kicked and jumped, somersaulted, and tumbled. Kong-sang was in heaven!"
— from the book
How did Jackie Chan become one of the most recognizable and beloved actors in the world? Find out in this exciting biography of this martial artist turned international film superstar. When Kong-sang was a young boy in Hong Kong, he enjoyed practicing martial arts with his dad but hated going to school. He was eventually enrolled in the China Drama Academy, where he improved his martial arts skills and became a stuntman. That training led to a successful career as an actor. Kong-sang, now known as Jackie Chan, never gave up on his passion for screwball physical comedy. Luckily for Jackie, his determination paid off. His humor and dangerous stuntwork in films like Cannonball Run, Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon, and Karate Kid have made him an international star, and it doesn’t look like he’ll be leaving the big screen anytime soon.
Jackie Chan learned martial arts when he was very young. How did what he learned as a child help with his career as an adult?
Why do you think Jackie kept doing dangerous stunts?
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Top contributors: Jody Jensen Shaffer