by Katharine Schroeder

In 1978 Snake in the Eagle's Shadow became Jackie Chan's first big hit movie. Within a few years, Jackie became the number one star in Asia. He was BIG. Several years later, Jackie went to America to try to fulfill his dream of being as successful there as he was at home. Twice he tried to make it in America, and twice he went back to Hong Kong feeling like a failure. No one knew who he was in the United States! All throughout Asia, Jackie was loved by everyone but in America he was a nobody. He describes walking down the street and having not a single person say hello.

Jackie talks about this experience in his book "I Am Jackie Chan" and in interviews as well. He says that going to America and being unknown changed his whole attitude. He admits to being a "snob" at home in Asia. He also admits to behaving badly and taking advantage of his fame.

Realizing that half the world had never heard of Jackie Chan was a humbling experience. Jackie has said that he became a better, nicer person after his experience of failing in America. The experience showed Jackie that he really wasn't "all that." It was a good lesson for Jackie and he says that he is a kinder person today because of it.

 

©2002 Katharine Schroeder/The Official Jackie Chan Fan Club for Kids

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