Jackie Chan

When one hears Jackie Chan's name they first think about his acting career. Although his job is acting he is also an ambassador for UNICEF. Chan wants to help under privileged kids so they could have an education and make something more of their life. When Chan was a child he went to a world-renowned academy. Even though Chan went to a world-renowned academy the strong points of the academy was its martial arts, acrobatics, and gymnastics. Teachers did not focus on formal education at this academy, so most could not write, read or even talk fluently. It is at this school that Chan learned all the necessities for his stunts and also where he got his high threshold for pain. A hero must have determination and benevolence since with these traits show they are hard working and nice to others. Chan is a world renowned actor but is also a role model and hero for many he has helped, entertained, or inspired through his determination, originality, and benevolence.

(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/cannes-fil ())

Chan always tries his best and shows people that you should try in what you believe in. Chan always attempts harder and more dangerous stunts than he has previously done: "Chan has broken most of his bones trying to do his stunts" ("Jackie Chan. 'Newsmakers). Chan breaking his bones shows his dedications to his stunts and how he always is determined to do more. Chan wants to entertain; to exhilarate the audience and the way Chan does this is through his stunts. Chan knows no one else is willing to do these stunts and because of this he wants to give the audience harder and more refined stunts. In one of his earlier movies, Drunken Master, Chan exhibits some of his stunts: "Chan fights most impressively when he appears drunk and, of course, he performs the majority of the most dangerous stunts, such as dragging himself through coals and drinking industrial alcohol," ("Jackie Chan." Newsmakers). Chan wants to make his movies as real and exhilarating as possible so he tries to make his stunts as rigorous as possible. Chan's determination shows that anything is possible. Chan shows that you can complete anything you set your mind to. His determination is what brings his success and is what makes him a respectable role model.

(http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1890 ())

Chan also has a unique style that shows that you don't have to be like others to be successful. In fact Chan's uniqueness is what made him famous. A director offered Chan to be the second Bruce Lee, but when Chan tried it he didn't enjoy the role: "Chan instead of trying to be the new Bruce Lee decided to do what he wanted and do his own style instead of the way the director wanted him to be" ("Jackie Chan." Newsmakers). Although Chan greatly admired Bruce, he wanted to have a role that was more like him rather than Bruce. Their personalities greatly differed; while Bruce was serious Chan was comedic, while Bruce acted strong Chan acted weak. Chan's decision to act in his own way later benefited him by making him famous worldwide: "Rather than Lee's gritty persona, Chan utilized his bumbling physical comedy in his first successful films, Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978) and Drunken Master (1978)" ("Chan, Jackie." Britannica Biographies). When you begin something you like, it is better being original rather than copying someone you admire. This way you are being more true to yourself, not acting like someone you want to be. Doing tasks in your own way tends to make it easier to be more passionate about the subject and spend more time into it also. Chan shows that being different are not necessarily bad and sometimes being different can benefit you.

Jackie Chan greets East Timorese students (http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/showbiz/2008-06/26/co ())

Lastly, Chan is a devoted philanthropist which shows his benevolence. His philanthropy helps all over the world like his fund toward Haiti and Singapore: "In the first 8 months of 2010, he raised $36 million to help people across the globe, from Haiti to Singapore." (Jackie Chan Charity Work, Events and Causes). Chan's efforts to help others are quite successful. Chan is not extremely rich but what he gives to others is still a substantial amount. Chan wants to help people due to his kind, selfless nature and because of this he changes people's lives. Helping others is essential for a hero since other traits such as leadership and bravery do not matter unless you have genuinely help a person. That moment is when a person turns into a hero. Jackie has also provided education for the poor: "Jackie's charity has built 20 Dragon's Heart Schools, providing education to some of China's poorest citizens." (Jackie Chan Charity Work, Events and Causes). Chan's continuous charity efforts changes lives. He tries to help impoverished people go through their hardship. Chan feels obligated to help the poor have a better education because of his horrible education as a kid. He wants to give the poor a brighter future and to have a better life. Helping others is a task that most would find virtuous. People view heroes as models and according to my criteria Chan fits all the qualifications of being a hero.

Chan's kind nature, determination, and originality all show that Chan is a hero. Without his determination and originality he wouldn't get to the point where he is now and without this kind, selfless nature of his, he wouldn't be donating to all these charity events. Chan shows to be determined and original to get to your goal and his charity efforts helps the less fortunate reach their dreams. Chan brings hope to everyone around the world, an essential trait for a hero.