Jackie Chan’s Mother ‘Never Watched’ His Movies in Full
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Jackie Chan, the renowned action star, recently revealed in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE that his late mother, Lee-lee Chan, never watched any of his movies all the way through. Despite being one of the biggest names in the action movie industry, Chan shared that his mother, who passed away in 2002 at the age of 86, couldn’t bring herself to watch her son in action on screen, especially during his intense stunts.
The 71-year-old actor, known for his roles in iconic films like the Police Story series and Rumble in the Bronx, disclosed that his mother would start watching his movies, possibly only viewing the credits, but would turn away when she saw him performing dangerous stunts. Chan explained, “When she sees I’m doing a stunt, she turns around. When I hit somebody, she didn’t want to see. Somebody hit me, she didn’t want to see. She never watched a whole movie.”
Despite her reluctance to watch his action-packed performances, Chan fondly remembered how supportive his mother was of his career. He shared that Lee-lee, who worked as a housekeeper, adorned her walls with his movie posters and would tenderly touch and kiss them before bedtime, showcasing her unwavering pride and love for her famous son.
Chan’s new movie, Karate Kid: Legends, marks his return to the beloved franchise, where he reprises his role as a martial arts mentor. During a recent promotional event for the film, the actor opened up about the deep emotional connection he shared with his mother and how her unwavering support continues to inspire him in his career and personal life.
The actor’s appearance at the 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards earlier this year was met with a standing ovation, as industry peers and fans alike celebrated his legendary contributions to the world of cinema. Chan took the stage to present an award and expressed his profound appreciation for the art of filmmaking, emphasizing its ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds and cultures through shared experiences.
In a heartwarming tribute to his mother and his Chinese heritage, Chan reflected on the significance of his latest film project, Karate Kid: Legends, as more than just a movie. He highlighted his intention to showcase Chinese culture and traditions on a global platform, aiming to foster unity and love in a world that he believes is in need of compassion and understanding.
As Karate Kid: Legends hits theaters, fans of Jackie Chan eagerly anticipate witnessing the culmination of his dedication to his craft and his commitment to honouring his roots through storytelling. The actor’s poignant anecdotes about his mother’s unwavering support serve as a touching reminder of the profound impact that familial love and encouragement can have on an individual’s journey to success.
In a rare moment of vulnerability and reflection, Jackie Chan’s revelations about his mother’s reserved admiration for his work shed light on the deep bond they shared, transcending the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to showcase the genuine and heartfelt connection between a mother and her son. As audiences prepare to witness Chan’s latest on-screen performance, they are reminded of the enduring power of family support and the courage it instills in individuals to reach new heights in their careers and personal endeavours.