Jet Li
Jet Li
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Li Lianjie is known professionally as Jet Li, a Chinese martial artist, actor, and philanthropist.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: April 26, 1963
Deceased: N/A (still alive)
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Chinese; Martial Artist, Actor
Early Life and Background
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Born in Beijing, China, Jet Li was trained in the martial art of Wushu from a young age. His father, Li Changlin, was a bodyguard for Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, and his mother, Zhang Zhiying, was an accountant. Jet's early life was marked by poverty; his family struggled to make ends meet due to his father's meager salary.
In 1974, at the age of 11, Li won a national wushu championship in China, which caught the attention of Hong Kong action director, Chi-Kin Chan. This exposure led to Li being invited to train in Hong Kong and eventually join the city's renowned acting troupe, the Beijing Wushu Team.
Major Accomplishments
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Won a national wushu championship at age 11 (1974)
Starred in over 30 films, including _Fist of Legend_ (1994) and _Romeo Must Die_ (2000)
Founded the One Foundation, which focuses on children's welfare and education
Named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for his philanthropic work
Notable Works or Actions
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Li's acting career spans over three decades, with notable roles in films such as _Fist of Legend_ (1994), _Hero_ (2002), and _Fearless_ (2006). He has collaborated with renowned directors like Zhang Yimou and Wong Kar-Wai. Beyond his film work, Jet Li is recognized for his philanthropic efforts through the One Foundation.
Impact and Legacy
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Li's impact on Chinese cinema extends beyond his own acting career; he played a pivotal role in introducing Chinese action films to international audiences. His commitment to education and children's welfare has made him an influential figure globally.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Jet Li is widely quoted for his reflections on life, martial arts, and philanthropy. He embodies the connection between physical discipline and mental awareness, illustrating how these qualities can lead to personal growth and a desire to make positive changes in society.
Quotes by Jet Li
Jet Li's insights on:
Jackie Chan is a very good comedy/martial arts star. He does one kind of martial arts that Jet Li doesn't know how to do, and Jet Li does a martial art that Jackie Chan doesn't know how to do.
And lot of Asian audiences and reporters don’t like me to act as a bad guy. But I think I want to become an actor, I want to try different way.
In the States, you can buy Chinese food. In Beijing you can buy hamburger. It’s very close. Now I feel the world become a big family, like a really big family. You have many neighbors. Not like before, two countries are far away.
But recently I’ve, the past few years, I’m more focused on meditation. It’s not a physical part. It’s more mental part, to understand life.
Every President that went to China, I would meet them and have dinner and talk about the past and the future. That was in the ’70s.
I can watch CNN on television or the Internet to find out what happened in Hong Kong ten minutes ago. After all, it doesn’t matter where something is made, we’re all part of the same big family now.