Jackie Chan criticized for neglecting his stunt team by Hong Kong actor Chung Fat

Hong Kong star Jackie Chan. Photo from Chan's Instagram

Citing China Times, Znews reported that the criticism comes after Chan was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 78th Locarno Film Festival. In a social media post thanking his fans, colleagues, and especially the Jackie Chan Stunt Team for their ongoing support, Chan appeared to acknowledge the team’s role in his success. However, Chung accused Chan of not genuinely looking after the team’s members, suggesting that their contributions had been largely overlooked.

Chung compared the treatment of Chan’s stunt team with that of Sammo Hung's stunt team, pointing out that Hung has always supported his members by helping them develop their individual strengths and even tailoring roles and scripts for them. Chung emphasized that thanks to this support, members of the Sammo Hung Stunt Team, including himself, have built stable careers and are now able to stand on their own.

In contrast, Chung claimed the members of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team have faced hardships due to Chan’s lack of attention.

"If Jackie knew how to utilize his teammates, the team wouldn't have fallen apart like this," Chung said. "Think about it, Jackie. Have you really cared for them? Everyone in Sammo Hung's team is self-sufficient, but who in your team can do that?"

He went on to name several members of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team who, he claimed, have been struggling, questioning why Chan had not supported his former teammates.

"Jackie, if you just spent a fraction of your fortune, you could support them for life. Why don’t you do it?" he asked. "Can you take your money to the grave? You've broken up the team, leaving no one behind. Don’t forget, they’re the ones who helped build your career."

Chung revealed that Hong Kong actor Lee Kin Sang, a member of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team, had been hospitalized multiple times due to injuries sustained during stunt work. He recounted a particular incident during the 1985 filming of "Police Story," when Lee was required to jump from a double-decker bus and later remained unconscious for several days.

"Yet, no one checked on him," Chung lamented. "So I told him he had to come forward and share the truth."

The Jackie Chan Stunt Team, formed in 1976, became an official organization by 1983, with six members receiving insurance coverage, salaries, and higher pay. The team expanded to about 20 members by 1988, but was disbanded in 1990, with individual members being contracted on a film-by-film basis thereafter.

At 71, Chan is recognized as one of the most iconic martial artists in film history, with a career spanning over six decades and more than 150 films. He became widely known for his roles in kung fu comedies such as "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow" and later achieved international fame through the "Rush Hour" film series.

Chung, now 72, began his acting career in 1973 and has frequently collaborated with both Chan and Hung throughout his career.