Jackie Chan recently spoke candidly about his relationship with his late mother, sharing in a heartfelt interview the emotional reason she never watched his movies, even though she was his most devoted supporter. This Jackie Chan emotional interview about mother and movies not only uncovers a touching family dynamic but also offers rare insight into what has inspired his legendary career.
The Global Star’s Relationship with His Mother
Famed worldwide for his trailblazing action performances, Jackie Chan has appeared in hundreds of movies that have reached viewers across all continents, establishing him as a household name in Hollywood and beyond. With a career marked by daring stunts in hits like “Rush Hour” and “Police Story,” his recent film “Karate Kid: Legends” continues the legacy of risk-taking that defines his artistry.
Despite this vast popularity and acclaim, Chan opened up to PEOPLE magazine about an intensely personal aspect of his life—his mother‘s inability to watch any of his films in full. He explained that, from the earliest days of his career through decades of acting, his mother simply found the emotional distress of watching him in danger too overwhelming.
My Mom never watched the whole of one of my movies. She started the movie, starts at the beginning, maybe the credits. [But] 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.
—Jackie Chan
Although Chan’s mother, Lee-lee Chan, refrained from viewing his on-screen performances, her pride in her son was unwavering. Until her passing at 86 in 2002, Lee-lee Cherished every symbol of her son’s career, preserving his posters and displaying deep maternal affection.
According to Chan, each night before she went to sleep, his mother would touch and gently kiss the posters of her son, a ritual that spoke volumes about her quiet yet profound pride. This contrast between her inability to witness his physical struggles on screen and her consistent celebration of his achievements underscores a bond shaped by love and genuine worry.
Continuing to Perform His Own Dangerous Stunts
Jackie Chan is recognized not just for his talent and humility, but for the remarkable authenticity he brings to every film. He is widely celebrated for performing his own stunts—a tradition carried through nearly every role he has taken, despite the immense risks involved. Throughout his 64-year career, Chan has repeatedly placed himself in peril for the sake of realism and audience impact.
Of course, I always do my own stunts. It’s who I am. That’s not changing until the day I retire, which is never! When you’ve done it for 64 years straight, there’s no physical preparation anymore. Everything is in your heart and soul; it is muscle memory.
—Jackie Chan
In his conversation with PEOPLE, Chan asserted that his dedication to performing stunts himself has never wavered and is unlikely to ever stop. He noted that, after so many years devoted to his craft, the preparation for each sequence is no longer just physical but born from instinct and deep personal experience.
Chan discussed how, even with the significant advancements in special effects and technology within the film industry, something essential is lost. He suggested that although today’s actors can safely execute spectacular feats through visual tricks, the visceral sense of danger and risk that he has always embraced is difficult to replicate, making audiences less sensitive to the intensity and limits that once defined action cinema.
While Chan continues to put himself in harm’s way for his roles, he was careful to clarify that this approach should not be imitated lightly by others. The action icon emphasized the seriousness and real danger involved in attempting such feats, reinforcing that his experiences are unique and not intended as an example for fans or aspiring actors to follow blindly.
The Ongoing Influence of Family and Passion for Performance
Throughout his storied career, Jackie Chan’s connection to family and his dedication to his craft have been distinct sources of motivation. His close relationship with his mother, combined with his steadfast approach to stunt work, has enriched not only his personal narrative but the lives of those who continue to be influenced by his films. While his mother could not bear to watch him face peril on the big screen, her legacy of pride and loving concern clearly lives on in the way he approaches his work and cherishes his audience worldwide.
As “Karate Kid: Legends” thrills moviegoers in the USA and internationally, Chan’s unique blend of emotional depth, personal sacrifice, and extraordinary showmanship remains central to his enduring appeal. The revelations from his recent interview offer fans and newcomers alike a moving glimpse into the emotional realities behind one of cinema’s most famous action heroes and the everlasting bond he shared with his mother.
