Jet Li: Health, Movies, Net Worth & Jackie Chan Rivalry

Chances are you’ve seen Jet Li’s face flash across a movie screen—the lightning-fast strikes in Once Upon a Time in China, the quiet intensity in Lethal Weapon 4. But behind the screen, his story has taken a quieter, more personal turn—here’s what’s known about his health, his decision to step back from acting, and where he is now.

Birth date: April 26, 1963 ·
Birthplace: Beijing, China ·
National Wushu Gold Medals: 5 ·
Net worth (estimated): $250 million ·
Number of films (approx.): 60+

Jet Li’s journey from wushu champion to international star is captured in nine key facts.

What is Jet Li diagnosed with?

Official diagnosis from his manager

• Jet Li has hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces excess hormones (IMDb).
• His manager confirmed he is not terminally ill and that he takes medication to manage the condition (Wikipedia).

Impact on his physical abilities

• According to Outbackfocus, his resting heart rate can reach 130–140 beats per minute, and he was advised not to exercise.
• This condition has made physically demanding film roles harder to perform.

Current treatment and daily life

• He takes medication to control his heart rate and thyroid levels (IMDb).
• In 2016, he stated that he had recovered and that fewer film offers were due to his charity work, not illness (Wikipedia).

The implication: Jet Li’s health is not the sole reason for his reduced screen time. His own statements suggest a deliberate shift in priorities.

Is Jet Li still alive?

Latest public appearances

• Jet Li appeared in the 2020 film Mulan and has been seen in public events in Asia since then (Wikipedia).
• He maintains an active Instagram account with posts from 2023 and 2024.

Alive and active in philanthropy

• He founded the One Foundation, a Chinese charity, and continues to raise funds for disaster relief (Wikipedia).
• In 2023 he published a book, further confirming his active presence.

Social media evidence

• His Instagram profile shows recent posts and interactions, ending any death rumors (Instagram).

The pattern: Death hoaxes about Jet Li have circulated for years, but every verified public record confirms he is alive and engaged in charitable work.

Why did Jet Li stop acting?

Health reasons (hyperthyroidism)

• After being diagnosed around 2010, he began refusing roles that required intense physical exertion (Simple English Wikipedia).
• His last Hollywood blockbuster was The Expendables 3 (2014) (Outbackfocus).

Shift in personal priorities

• He has spoken about dedicating more time to Buddhist studies and philanthropy (Wikipedia).
• In 2016 he said he accepted fewer film offers because of charity work, not illness (TheStreet).

Decreased film output timeline

• After 2010, his film appearances dropped significantly. He has not had a lead role since Mulan (2020).
• According to Anglepress, he has retired from lead roles but hasn’t ruled out supporting parts.

The trade-off: By stepping back, he preserved his health and gained freedom for his spiritual life, but it cost him the high-profile roles that defined his career.

Did Jet Li and Jackie Chan get along?

Historical rivalry reports

• The two martial arts icons were long rumored to have a rivalry, partly fueled by media comparisons (Simple English Wikipedia).
• They co-starred in The Forbidden Kingdom (2008), their only film together (Simple English Wikipedia).

The $11M movie incident (The Forbidden Kingdom)

• Jackie Chan reportedly disliked certain creative choices during production, but neither actor has ever publicly confirmed a feud (Anglepress).
• The film was a commercial success, grossing over $128 million worldwide.

Public statements from both actors

• In interviews, both have expressed professional respect for each other. Chan called Jet Li a “great martial artist” (Wikipedia).
• No credible evidence of a personal feud exists.

What this means: The “rivalry” was mostly a media narrative. The two men worked together amicably and remain on good terms.

Who’s richer, Jet Li or Jackie Chan?

Jet Li’s estimated net worth

• According to TheStreet, Jet Li’s net worth is estimated at $250 million.
• His earnings come from film salaries, endorsements, and investments.

Jackie Chan’s estimated net worth

• Several sources, including Anglepress, estimate Jackie Chan’s net worth at around $400 million.
• Chan’s global film catalog gross is roughly $2.6 billion, compared to Jet Li’s $2 billion (Anglepress).

Comparison with Donnie Yen and Bruce Lee

• Donnie Yen’s net worth is reported to be around $40 million, well below both Jet Li and Jackie Chan.
• Bruce Lee’s estate, though iconic, is estimated at under $10 million.

Three actors, one pattern: Jack Chan is the wealthiest, followed by Jet Li, then Donnie Yen.

A side-by-side comparison highlights the financial gap between the two legends.

The trade-off: Jet Li earned less per film overall but built a focused, high-quality filmography. Chan’s broader output and international branding pushed his net worth higher.

For fans of martial arts cinema, the takeaway is clear: Jet Li’s legacy is secure, but his on-screen presence will likely remain limited. The decision to prioritize health over Hollywood is one that few actors of his stature have made so publicly. For the industry, it means the loss of a unique action star, but for Jet Li, it means a quieter, more intentional life.

Frequently asked questions