Jet Li

Jet Li, born Li Lianjie, is a martial artist, actor, and philanthropist known for his significant contributions to Chinese cinema and martial arts. Li began his training in wushu at age eight at the Beijing Shichahai Sports School. He won five consecutive national wushu championships, claiming his first title at age 11, which led to a martial arts demonstration for President Richard Nixon in the United States. As a teenager, Li served as a national coach, and his speed in training earned him the nickname Jet, which he later used professionally.

Li made his film debut with "The Shaolin Temple," a box office success credited with reviving interest in martial arts and the Shaolin Temple. His prominence grew with the "Once Upon a Time in China" series, where he portrayed folk hero Wong Fei-hung. Other notable films from this period include "Fist of Legend" and "Swordsman II." Li's work is recognized for revitalizing Hong Kong kung fu cinema and establishing him as a leading action star.

Li's Hollywood debut came with "Lethal Weapon 4," followed by his first English-language lead in "Romeo Must Die." He expanded his international profile with roles in "Kiss of the Dragon," "The One," and Zhang Yimou's "Hero," which became a high-grossing Chinese film and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. Li earned the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in "The Warlords" and starred in "Fearless," a biographical wuxia film about Huo Yuanjia. His Hollywood career includes ensemble action films such as "The Expendables" series and a role as the Emperor in Disney's live-action adaptation of "Mulan."

Outside of film, Li is active in philanthropy. He founded the One Foundation in partnership with the Red Cross Society of China, focusing on disaster relief and charitable initiatives, inspired by his experience during the Indian Ocean tsunami. Li has served as an ambassador for the Chinese Wushu Association and was named Image Ambassador of Wushu at the World Wushu Championships. A practicing Buddhist, Li emphasizes that the core of martial arts is inner harmony, a philosophy reflected in both his personal life and film roles.