Jackie Chan's forgotten daughter: Etta Ng's unspoken tale in today's lens

Jackie Chan's larger-than-life presence in the film industry is well-documented. However, little is known about the untold story of his daughter, Etta Ng Chok-lam, who has been living a life far removed from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

In 1999, a storm hit Jackie Chan's personal life when he publicly confessed to an affair with Elaine Ng Yi-lei, leading to the birth of their daughter, Etta. Despite the waves this revelation caused, the bond between father and daughter never formed. "I am not angry with my father, and have never wished to see him," said Ng in 2015. Such a strong sentiment illustrates the chasm that separated them.

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

While Jaycee Chan, Jackie's son with his wife, Joan Lin, grew up enveloped in luxury and fame, Etta's path was fraught with challenges. Her coming out as a lesbian in 2017 and marriage to Canadian influencer Andi Autumn seemed to further distance her from her celebrity lineage.

Etta's struggles were highlighted when she and her wife, Andi Autumn, released a heart-wrenching video in 2018. In the video, they revealed their homelessness due to alleged homophobic treatment. "I don’t even understand what is going on because we’ve gone to the police, we’ve gone to the hospital, the food banks, LGBTQ+ community shelters, and all of them just don’t give a s*,"** Ng stated passionately. This poignant confession became emblematic of the silent battles many celebrities’ children face.

Also Read: Decoding Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker's cryptic reunion: Is "Rush Hour 4" on the horizon? 

On the other side of the spectrum, while Etta queued for free food in Toronto, Jackie Chan announced his association with another multi-million-dollar project, Disney’s adaptation of 1001 Nights. The contrasting fortunes of father and daughter highlight the often-overlooked vulnerabilities of those connected to superstar personalities.

Etta Ng's journey is a testament to resilience. Regardless of her ties to one of Hollywood's biggest stars, she's carved out her narrative, however tumultuous. The vast chasm between her and her father's worlds underscores the complexities interwoven into the fabric of celebrity lives.

Public opinion seems to sway towards sympathy for Etta. As reported by Malay Mail, many voiced their dismay at the lack of parental support she's received. "It is sad to have such parents," one comment read.

In retrospect, Etta Ng Chok-lam's story offers a poignant reflection on the disparities that can exist even in the most seemingly privileged circles, emphasizing the need for understanding and empathy beyond the headlines.

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