Jet Li

Jet Li in 2006

Li Lianjie (courtesy name Yangzhong; born April 26, 1963), better known by his stage name Jet Li, is a Chinese-born Singaporean film actor, film producer, martial artist, and retired Wushu champion.

Quotes

• I think the most important is when I was young, I learnt martial arts, that is my special key. I can use my unique martial arts in the film. But after a few years, I really want to do something different... like using martial arts to talk about peace.
  • As quoted in Jet Li Interview Transcript in CNN (January 29, 2003)

• I am a Buddhist and sometimes I feel bad about children...when they see me walking on the street, they will shout 'Jet Li' [to do a few fighting actions]. In the beginning of course I was happy to hear that but after a while, I feel ...I think I have the responsibility to the young age, the teenager. I need to talk about more...because Chinese culture is not just martial arts, physical part... we have deep, strong philosophy and culture. I want to share some information, tell the worldwide audience, what kind of Chinese people... Not just say, you look Chinese people like Bruce Lee or everybody know martial arts and just know how to beat up others.
  • As quoted in Jet Li Interview Transcript in CNN (January 29, 2003)

• I spend a lot of time with my family. Because I think it's part of my life. I think the time...long or short is not the most important. I think the most important is the quality time...quality time with family.
  • As quoted in Jet Li Interview Transcript in CNN (January 29, 2003)

• In my personal life I'm a very traditional Chinese person, and when you promise a girl something you need to do it. Also, in a lot of Asian audiences, and probably American too, the man wants to see the action movie, he's begging the girl to go see an action movie. But this time, I really want the girl to say, come on man, let's go see the movie. Because, remember your promise. I think the man needs to be honest, take a little responsibility. Whatever you do. That's my personal thought.
  • As quoted in The Big Jet Li Interview in Kung Fu Magazine

• I think you really need to understand American culture, because everybody you meet says very nice things to you - you are great, you are brilliant, you?re amazing - I want to know is this true, or are they being polite? I really want to know, so I make my website to talk to the audience. They tell me the truth, they say, I like you in this, I don't like you in this. It's important. Because American people are so polite.
  • As quoted in The Big Jet Li Interview in Kung Fu Magazine

• My biggest lesson from the Sichuan earthquake rescue is that grassroots NGOs can help the government in its blind spots. Government relief is not always detail-oriented. Grassroots NGOs can’t be as big as a government effort, but they need to be flexible and independent. Grassroots should not be merged. Once merged, they are no different from governmental organizations.
  • As quoted in Interview – Jet Li in Alliance Magazine (December 1, 2009)

• I should do something for Africa...I will go to Africa again, and want to see African entrepreneurs get not only the financial award, but also advice from successful predecessors. That can be even more valuable.
  • As quoted in Interview: Jet Li vows support to entrepreneurship dev't in Africa in Xinhua (May 29, 2020)

• When I think about ancient China or the ancient world, I wonder why people want to become king. For my personal taste, I like freedom.
  • As quoted in Actor Jet Li Agreed To Star In ‘Mulan’ For His Daughter in Yahoo News (September 7, 2020)

• Speaking English dialogue is not easy for me. I am too lazy to learn English or speak any foreign language, so I am very grateful to my dialogue coach for helping me a lot.
  • As quoted in Actor Jet Li Agreed To Star In ‘Mulan’ For His Daughter in Yahoo News (September 7, 2020)