Jackie Chan tells fans 'don't worry' after sparking health concerns with altered appearance... as Karate Kid star officially rings in his 70th birthday
Jackie Chan took time to reassure his fans that all was well after sparkling health concerns when recent photos circulated of the star looking older with gray hair.
The Karate Kid star jumped to his main Instagram page on Sunday to celebrate his 70th birthday and also explained the reasoning behind his change in appearance.
Alongside a number of throwback images, the actor - who received a special tribute from Will Smith - penned, 'Not so long ago, a lot of friends saw some recent photos of me on the internet, and they were all concerned about my health.'
'I want to take this opportunity to let everyone know, don't worry! It's just a character appearance for my latest movie,' Chan revealed. 'The character requires me to have white hair, white beard and look old.'
'Over the years, I've always been willing to try new things for a movie, no matter if it's a challenging stunt or a breakthrough appearance for a character.'
Jackie Chan, 70, took time to reassure his fans that all was well after sparkling health concerns when recent photos circulated of the star looking older with gray hair; seen in 2022
The Karate Kid star jumped to his main Instagram page on Sunday to celebrate his 70th birthday and also explained the reasoning behind his change in appearance
Jackie added that he has worked 'in the entertainment business for 62 years and I cherish every moment because I'm lucky I'm still filming today.'
In the lengthy caption, the Hong Kong-born actor also expressed his excitement about turning 70-years-old.
'Even before today, many friends have been reminding me: "Jackie, it's going to be your 70th birthday!" Every time I hear this number, my heart would stop for a second - l'm 70 years old already?'
The Rush Hour star continued, 'After recovering from the shock, the second thing that would come to my mind is a saying that my big brother, Sammo Hung once said: "being able to grow old is a fortunate thing."
'Especially for us stunt people, we don't know how lucky we are to be able to grow old.'
In conclusion, he explained that his, 'staff have been going through my photo archives and found so many memorable photos.'
'I've selected a few to post with this message. Looking at these photos brings back so many fond memories. All I can say is: I love making movies and I love you all.'
Chan added, 'A big thank you to everyone for all your birthday wishes. Hope everyone stays happy and healthy!'
'I want to take this opportunity to let everyone know, don't worry! It's just a character appearance for my latest movie,' Chan revealed. 'The character requires me to have white hair, white beard and look old'
Chan added, 'A big thank you to everyone for all your birthday wishes. Hope everyone stays happy and healthy!'
One of the throwback photos included in his latest post showed Jackie in the 1985 film titled The Protector (seen above)
One of the throwback photos included in his latest post showed Jackie in the 1985 film titled The Protector.
Another image was taken posing on a balcony in 1980 while sporting an all-white ensemble with a city skyline directly behind him in the background.
Chan additionally shared snaps of himself on a few different sets as well as a close-up photo of his face along with the words, 'With Love! Jackie.'
Social media users jumped to the comment section to send their birthday wishes, including Johnny Knoxville, who wrote, 'Happy birthday Jackie!!! Love, Knoxville.'
Recently, images of Jackie began to circulate that showed the actor looking a bit older - which caused to fans to worry over his health.
In one, the actor could be seen sitting on a stage with grayish hair as well as a beard.
Although it is unclear what film Jackie takes on the role of the older character, he currently has eight projects under his belt, per IMDB, including an upcoming untitled Karate Kid sequel.
Will Smith also took to his own Instagram page to pen a special birthday tribute to Chan on Sunday.
Another image was taken posing on a balcony in 1980 while sporting an all-white ensemble with a city skyline directly behind him in the background
Although it is unclear what film Jackie takes on the role of an older character, he currently has eight projects under his belt, per IMDB , including an upcoming untitled Karate Kid sequel; seen in 2020 in Paris
Will Smith also took to his own Instagram page to pen a special birthday tribute to Chan on Sunday; seen in November 2023
He helped the martial arts legend celebrate his 70th birthday by sharing some throwback snaps from The Karate Kid remake.
Smith served as a producer on the 2010 remake, which starred Chan alongside the producer's son Jaden, now 25, who was just 12 when the film was released.
The Men In Black actor also sent a heartfelt message to Chan - who joins Ralph Macchio in a new Karate Kid franchise sequel - thanking him for his help in 'raising' Jaden on the set.
'Happy 70th (wow) Birthday to My Guy @jackiechan!!' Smith began in his heartfelt post to the action icon.
In addition to making some of my FAVORITE movies of all time, creating some of the CRAZIEST moments that have ever been captured on film - I thank you most for helpin' to raise Jaden,' Smith added.
'Our time with you in Beijing during the Karate Kid left an eternal impact on our entire family,' Smith continued.
Smith served as a producer on the 2010 remake, which starred Chan alongside the producer's son Jaden, now 25, who was just 12 when the film was released; seen in 2010 in L.A.
'Happy 70th (wow) Birthday to My Guy @jackiechan!!' Smith began in his heartfelt post to the action icon
'We wish you the deepest Love & Revelation on your next trip around the sun,' he concluded, with a sun emoji.
Smith shared a snap of both him and Chan embracing young Jaden on the set, plus a snap of Jackie lifting Jaden over his head.
He also shared a behind-the-scenes snap from the film where Jaden executes an impressive high kick. Another snap shows Smith speaking with his son while Chan looks on during the production.
The final photo showed Chan embracing Jaden on the set, both with big smiles on their faces during production.
