Jackie Chan's confession: the untold story of a martial arts legend

Jackie Chan, the iconic martial artist and actor, stunned the world with his memoir Never Grow Up, first published in Chinese in 2015 and recently translated into English. Today, as we look back, Chan's candid revelations about his personal life and family remain as impactful as ever.

In his book, Chan describes himself as a total jerk, openly discussing his infidelity and the resulting estrangement from his daughter, Etta Ng. The book paints a picture of a man grappling with fame, mistakes, and the consequences that followed. “In 1999, I made a serious mistake,” Chan admits, referring to his affair that led to the birth of Etta.

Chan's relationship with his son Jaycee, who he shares with his wife Joan Lin, also features prominently in his memoir. He recalls a disturbing incident from Jaycee's childhood: “I hit him once, and was very heavy-handed — directly lifting him and throwing him onto the sofa.” This admission, bold and regretful, highlights the complexity of Chan's role as a father.

Also Read: How Jackie Chan's childhood Oscar dream became a Hollywood reality. 

The estrangement between Chan and his daughter Etta, who recently married her girlfriend Andi Autumn, is another poignant aspect of Chan's personal saga. Etta's struggles, including a period of homelessness attributed to homophobic parents, further complicates the narrative. “He never existed in my life. I will never regard him as a father,” Etta reportedly said about Chan, underscoring the deep rift between them.

Also Read: Remembering Beijing's entertainment purge: Jaycee Chan's scandal and the zero-tolerance era 

Elaine Ng Yi Lei, Etta's mother and Chan's former lover, has been vocal in her criticism, urging Etta to find a job and become independent. This interplay of viewpoints paints a multi-dimensional picture of the challenges faced by Chan and his family.

Today, as we revisit these revelations, the layers of Jackie Chan's life beyond his cinematic persona become even more fascinating. His journey, marked by fame, folly, and a quest for redemption, offers a rare glimpse into the life of one of the world's most renowned action stars.

Chan's memoir, Never Grow Up, serves as a testament to his tumultuous life, offering a raw and unfiltered look at the man behind the legend. It remains a compelling read, resonating with those who appreciate the complexity of human nature and the consequences of fame.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)