Fact Check: Did legendary Chinese actor Jackie Chan die at the age of 72?

WASHINGTON, DC: Social media users are sharing posts claiming that legendary Chinese actor Jackie Chan has died. The sudden death rumor has caught the attention of fans, with some users questioning whether the reports are real.

Chan has remained a well-known figure through popular films such as 'Rush Hour,' 'Shanghai Noon,' and 'The Karate Kid.'

The posts have raised questions about Chan’s current status and the source of the death reports. So, is Jackie Chan really dead? Let’s fact-check the claim.

Claim: 'The Karate Kid' star Jackie Chan has died at 72

Social media users have shared a series of posts claiming that Chinese actor Jackie Chan has died. 

Chan, whose real name is Fang Shilong, has a global fan base and remains one of the most recognizable Chinese actors internationally. His worldwide popularity helped the death hoax spread rapidly over the past 24 hours.

Posts began circulating on social media, particularly in the United States, claiming that Chan had died.

A black-and-white photo of the actor with the text “Jackie Chan” and “1954-2026” also began spreading online. The posts quickly gained millions of views worldwide.

For example, an X user named Abdul shared one such post that received more than 3.8 million views within five hours. 

By the time of writing, the post had crossed 8 million views. The claim also prompted strong reactions from users, with many expressing concern about Chan. One user wrote, “Nearly had stroke.”

Others questioned the authenticity of the claim. One user wrote, “Faking a memorial layout just to farm impressions and replies on X is crazy work.” 

Another user simply asked, “Is he dead?” A concerned fan also wrote, “72 and still a legend. 🥹❤️‍🩹 Jackie Chan’s legacy in martial arts and cinema is truly unforgettable. 🐉🥋”

Fact Check: The claim is false

The claim is false. Social media posts falsely claim that 72-year-old actor Jackie Chan has died. However, Chan is alive.

Chan made his last public appearance on July 7 this year in Singapore, according to the country’s largest daily newspaper, The Straits Times. 

He visited Pei Chun Public School during a surprise event organized by the Lim Family Foundation. The report said Chan interacted with more than 900 students during the visit.

A video from the event showed Chan singing “Hard to Say Goodbye.” He also spoke about his childhood and early struggles. 

“Looking at you today made me remember my childhood years and humble beginnings,” Chan said. “I had no hope. My only hope was my bowl of plain rice and not to be beaten by my teacher.”

“Please work hard. Dreams may not come true, but without dreams, you definitely won’t succeed,” he added.

Chan, who has an estimated net worth of more than $400 million in 2026, lives primarily in Hong Kong. He has reportedly converted a former factory warehouse in the Kowloon Tong residential neighborhood into a home with hidden rooms and secret doors.

The X post also includes a reader context note that says the image uses an obituary-style design for Jackie Chan with the dates “1954-2026,” but Chan remains alive and active at 72.