For today's edition of The List, we'll take a close look at the international movie star, Jackie Chan. But today we're going to do something different. We've put together a "sparetime manual" for Chan, detailing how the mega-star spends his free time.
Opening the manual, we see Jackie Chan at the age of 50. His name has been linked with film for 43 years. But now, his off-hours are becoming more and more important for him. It's only in his spare time that Chan can give something back to society.
Jackie Chan Sparetime Manual, Chapter One: Receiving awards and promoting Chinese culture
Jackie Chan has charmed the world for decades with his martial arts films, and he's picked up more than a few awards in the process. At the same time, Chan never forgets to tell the world he's Chinese. At the 2003 Berlin International Film Festival, Chan presented a documentary titled "Tracing Jackie Chan's Family". The film was filled with revelations from Chan's parents, who recounted a life of danger, hardships and emigration -- which Chan himself knew little about. He said , "I think I am very lucky. You guys are interested in me, and my films as well. I believe that's not only because of me, but also because of Chinese culture and history."
And Hollywood is definitely interested in China. After only a few years in Hollywood, Jackie Chan won a star on Walk of Fame. Many fans turned out to enjoy the moment with Chan.
Chan never uses a stunt double in his films -- one reason he's so famous. At the ceremony for the World Acrobatic Awards, Arnold Schwarzenegger presented Chan with a stuntman lifetime achievement award. Chan received the award from Prague by satellite.
Jackie Chan Sparetime Manual, Chapter Two: Making his own brand and becoming a businessman
At the end of 2003, Chan celebrated the birth of his own costume brand. Taking on the task of carrying the Chinese spirit, Jackie Chan-brand clothes are mostly traditional Chinese garments.
For several years, Chan has personally designed the outfits for his stunt team. And now, he's finally making the brand under his own name and competing in the international market. Besides the busy work of making movies, Chan finds time to be a successful businessman.
Jackie Chan Sparetime Manual, Chapter Three: Teaching by personal example, and giving something back
As one of the most famous actors in the world, Chan understands his influence over fans and young people. So he gives lectures to teach teenagers by personal example. Playing the role of teacher is another important component of Chan's spare time.
He said, "I always feel that I am not qualified to give speeches, since I myself did not receive a high level of education. For so many years, I only knew how to work, to work with my utmost strength. Combining with my individual history of striving and sense of protecting environment, tell students a life experience.
In addition to giving speeches, Chan also developed a "Film Production Training Course" early this year. The aim is to move the Hong Kong movie industry forward. Directors John Woo and Feng Xiaogang were invited to take part. Students in the course will spend part of their lessons participating in real movie productions.
Jackie Chan Sparetime Manual, Chapter Four: All-around Ambassador, and doing good everywhere
Jackie Chan also places prominence on taking part in activities for the public good. This can be seen in his many ambassadorships. In addition to "Hong Kong Movie Ambassador", Chan is the "2008 Beijing Olympic Ambassador" the "Hong Kong Tourism Ambassador", and on and on. "All-around Ambassador" seems to be a suitable title.
In the year 2000, Chan came to Beijing to become an ambassador for the Beijing Olympics. So when China celebrates its successful bid for the Olympic Games, Chan shouldn't be forgotten.
At the end of last year, Chan showed up at a charity concert raising money to fight hepatitis. He quickly took the spotlight in the concert. The audience even sang with him.
Not long after the show, Chan added goodwill ambassador to his resume. He worked to help poor families in China.
After an earthquake in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region last year, Chan personally contributed over a thousand pieces of clothing to victims. And as the "International Smiling Action" ambassador, Chan made a short promotional film to spread the message of caring for people in difficult situations.
Then, this April, Chan was named a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador. He traveled to Cambodia to visit children suffering from AIDS.
Closing the manual, we see Jackie Chan's spare time is as action-packed as his films are. But in real life, Chan tries to give others a leading role.
(CCTV.com May 24, 2004)
