Jackie Chan is the only action star whose stunts and philanthropy are equally legendary. For nearly four decades, he’s risked his body on screen and quietly rebuilt communities off it.
The Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation
Founded in 1988, his foundation funds scholarships, medical aid, and youth programs across Asia. Chan has personally paid for surgeries, school buildings, and disaster recovery — including major donations after earthquakes in China and pandemic relief during COVID.
A UNICEF ambassador who shows up
As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2004, Chan has traveled to disaster zones, refugee camps, and remote villages — often bringing cameras and cash. He’s also the founder of the Dragon’s Heart Foundation, which builds schools for children in China’s poorest regions.
The 40-year sequel
This week, Chan announced he’s returning to the action franchise that made him a global star — Police Story, 40 years after the original — with a death-defying clip that reminds everyone why nobody does it like him. He famously slid down a skyscraper years before Tom Cruise, with no wires and no net. The guy who “just wanted to be Jackie Chan” is still out there, at 72, doing both: the stunts and the giving. For more legends of generosity, see Stallone’s real-life hero work and Statham’s quiet giving.
Cover photo: Segolene Liger (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this celebrity really give back?
Yes — the story above details how this star quietly supports charities and causes, often without any publicity. The organizations they help have confirmed the giving.
What is this star known for besides acting?
Beyond their acting career, this star is known for their philanthropy and the causes they support — which this article explores in detail.
Where can I find more stories about celebrities giving back?
Browse our Giving Back category for the latest stories on Hollywood’s most generous stars — from Keanu Reeves to Jason Statham and beyond.
