Teen Ink

The awesome, do-not-try-this-at-home stunts or the ability to take down six bad guys at once aren’t what makes Jackie Chan my hero. Nor is it because we have the same last name. He is my hero because he is one of very few actors from Hong Kong who have received worldwide recognition.

He is a hard-working supporter of a cleaner environment and better education for children. Never having received a proper education when he was young, he now helps establish schools in poor areas around the world. He also speaks out against animal abuse and supports relief efforts in regions that suffer from natural disasters.

Jackie Chan made a rare promise: he will donate half of his assets to charity when he dies.

Despite his fame and efforts to help others, there’s one thing that makes me respect him more than anyone else: he insists on being a role model for kids – always seen as a good guy, never the antagonist. And he never uses the “f-word.” He doesn’t want to be viewed as two different people, but as an inspiration for children to one day grow up to be great citizens.

Even though the chances of me becoming an actor are minute, if I ever follow that path, in my awards acceptance speech I will say: “It was Jackie Chan who inspired me to become the person I am today. I plan to donate half of my assets to charity when I die too.”