Born in 1954, Jackie Chan is now one of the most recognised names in martial arts and action films around the world. Known for his acrobatic fighting style, he trained at the Chinese Opera Research Institute and the Peking Opera School. Chan was introduced to public performance early, as part of a troupe known as The Seven Little Fortunes. Members of the troupe included Yuen Biao, Sammo Hung and Yuen Wah, who all went on to become well known in Hong Kong cinema. Chan also studied hapkido, Wing Chun, taekwondo and judo after leaving school.

Chan does most of his own stunts; he has racked up such an impressive list of injuries that he is unable to get insurance anywhere in the world. Jackie Chan is best known for his roles in Drunken Master (1979), Police Story (1985), The Armour of God (1987), Rumble in the Bronx (1996), Rush Hour (1998), The Tuxedo (2002) and Shanghai Knights (2003). He pioneered the martial arts comedy, a subgenre which blends exhilarating martial arts action with comedic moments.

Chan was honoured by MTV in 1994 with a lifetime achievement award and also has a successful animated television series called the Jackie Chan Adventures.