“Even Buying Food Might Become Difficult”: $400 Million Worth Jackie Chan Once Received a ‘Huge Sum’ From His First Girlfriend During His Darkest Phase

The massive success that Jackie Chan has had in his acting career makes his fans ponder over his past financial struggles. He flew all the way from Hong Kong to Australia to the U.S. in search of a break that would carve him into the star he is today. Initially, Chan worked as a stuntman that paid in peanuts. He only earned around $50 dollars from his feats. 

Therefore, his dream of making a name in Hong Kong was once trashed and was planning to go back home to his parents, per his autobiography. When his girlfriend, Chang, stepped in to help the martial arts icon. Let’s find out how.

Jackie Chan’s saved by girlfriend

According to the book, Never Grow Up by Jackie Chan, the 68-year-old actor was facing a dire shortage of money once. He had moved to Hong Kong with the aim of achieving stardom. However, life didn’t go as per his expectations and he was fast running out of the cash he’d made whilst his stay. “My money was almost gone, and soon, even buying food might become difficult,” the icon stated. 

Chan recapitulated his skills, claiming he was a skilled Kung Fu fighter and a trained drama artist, but all was in vain. Hence, doubting his pursuit to achieve his big dreams, he decided to retreat home. He also felt alienated from the city and considered himself a failure. Furthermore, his distress totaled after his realization of an intense cash crisis. The actor couldn’t even afford a plane ticket anymore. 

Read More: “Large Amount of Blood Spurting Out”: Jackie Chan’s Father Had To Be Taken Away After the Martial Arts Legend’s Horrifying Injury Once

At the time, the star was going out with his foremost girlfriend, Chang. Surprisingly, she came to his rescue and handed him a whooping amount of $20,000 as a loan. This was sufficient for Chan to even buy fancy watches for his parents, in addition to a plane ticket. The Hollywood idol was utterly indebted to her gesture and even tried to refuse it. Then on, Chan was determined to return her courtesy after he attained success. Similarly, the star once revealed his childhood prejudices in an interview. 

Jackie Chan was left alone

In a 2001 interview, Chan opened up about his experience at the China Drama Academy, after his parents moved to Australia for work. Reportedly, his family was undergoing acute financial concerns, and hence, was sent off to the boarding institution. He recalled his initial days there by saying, “The first three days were fun, then I received my first beating.”

Besides, the school rules were stern, and that’s where the actor learned discipline. After his parents moved, Chan missed their visits and was upset about it. “At first I was angry at being left by myself, but I got used to it,” he revealed. 

Watch Now: Arnold Schwarzenegger Bowed Down to the Martial Arts Legend Jackie Chan During Their Iconic Reunion in 2019 

Chan’s vast fanbase idolizes his principles and highly disciplined life. However, the seriousness is neutralized by his lively and comical approach to his followers. Moreover, the ups and downs of his life are now looked upon as valuable lessons by the star and he wouldn’t have it any other way.