Jet Li
Biography
Jet Li, born Li Lianjie on April 26, 1963, in Beijing, China, is a prominent martial artist, actor, film producer, and philanthropist. A former wushu champion, Li began his training at the Beijing wushu academy at age eight and went on to win five gold medals in Chinese championships. Throughout a career spanning more than forty years, he has gained recognition as one of the greatest martial artists in cinema history and a leading Chinese film star. Currently holding Singapore citizenship, Li is noted for his portrayals of virtuous, humble heroes and his superlative martial arts skills. He has 74 known acting credits and is widely celebrated for his contributions to both martial arts and international film.
Career overview
Jet Li began his professional career after retiring from competitive wushu at age 17. He achieved significant acclaim in China following his film debut in The Shaolin Temple in 1982. He subsequently starred in numerous martial arts epics, most notably the Once Upon a Time in China series, where he portrayed the folk hero Wong Fei-hung. His filmography includes a variety of critically acclaimed projects, such as the internationally successful film Hero. Over the course of his career, Li has transitioned from domestic Chinese cinema to international productions. His work includes roles in major films such as The Expendables, released in 2010, along with various sequels to his notable projects. Regarded as one of the most significant figures in the history of martial arts cinema, Li has maintained a consistent presence in the industry for over four decades. His career is characterized by a blend of traditional martial arts performance and mainstream acting roles that have solidified his status as a global film star.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
89 titles- Blades of the Guardians (2026) as Lord Chang
- Sly (2023) as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Mulan (2020) as The Emperor
- One Sword Sweeps All (2017) as Ren Lan Feng
- Guardians of Martial Arts (2017) as Old Servant
- Guardians of Martial Arts (2017) Producer
- 鲁豫有约一日行 (2016)
- League of Gods (2016) as Jiang Ziya
- The Expendables 3 (2014) as Yin Yang
- Badges of Fury (2013) as Huang Feihong
- Voice (2012)
- The Expendables 2 (2012) as Yin Yang
- Flying Swords of Dragon Gate (2011) as Chow Wai-on
- The Sorcerer and the White Snake (2011) as Fa Hai
- The Expendables (2010) as Yin Yang
- Ocean Heaven (2010) as Wang Xingchang
- Inferno: The Making of 'The Expendables' (2010) as Self
- The Founding of a Republic (2009) as Chen Shaokuan
- The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) as The Silent Monk / The Monkey King
- The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008) as Han
- 激荡·1978-2008 (2008)
- War (2007) as Rogue
- The Warlords (2007) as General Pang Qingyun
- Be My Guest (2006)
- Fearless (2006) as Huo Yuanjia
- Fearless (2006) Producer
- Unleashed (2005) as Danny
- Unleashed (2005) Producer
- 'Hero' Defined: A Look at the Epic Masterpiece (2004) as Self
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003) as Self - Guest
- Cradle 2 the Grave (2003) as Su
- Chop Socky: Cinema Hong Kong (2003) as Self
- Cinema Hong Kong: Kung Fu (2003) as Self
- Hero (2002) as Nameless
- Jet Li Is 'The One' (2002) as Self
- Modern Warriors (2002) as Self
- Kiss of the Dragon (2001) as Liu Jian
- Kiss of the Dragon (2001) Associate Producer
- Kiss of the Dragon (2001) Producer
- Kiss of the Dragon (2001) Original Story
- The One (2001) as Gabe Law / Gabriel Yulaw / Lawless
- Invincible (2001) Executive Producer
- Romeo Must Die (2000) as Han Sing
- Jet Li: Li-Thal Weapon (1999) as Self
- Lethal Weapon 4 (1998) as Wah Sing Ku
- Contract Killer (1998) as Fu
- Once Upon a Time in China and America (1997) as Wong Fei Hung
- The Daily Show (1996) as Self - Guest
- Black Mask (1996) as Tsui Chik / Black Mask
- Dr. Wai in the Scripture with No Words (1996) as Wai Bok Si / Chow Si Kit
- The Enforcer (1995) as Kung Wei
- High Risk (1995) as Kit Li
- Oriental Hero (1995)
- Fist of Legend (1994) as Chen Zhen
- Fist of Legend (1994) Producer
- Legend of the Red Dragon (1994) as Hung Hei-Kwun
- Legend of the Red Dragon (1994) Executive Producer
- The Bodyguard from Beijing (1994) as John Cheng
- The Bodyguard from Beijing (1994) Producer
- Shaolin Kung Fu (1994) as actor
- Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1993) as Self - Guest
- The Legend (1993) as Fong Sai-Yuk
- The Legend (1993) Executive Producer
- Last Hero in China (1993) as Wong Fei Hung
- Last Hero in China (1993) Producer
- Once Upon a Time in China III (1993) as Wong Fei Hung
- The Legend II (1993) as Fong Sai Yuk
- The Legend II (1993) Producer
- Kung Fu Cult Master (1993) as 张无忌
- Kung Fu Cult Master (1993) Producer
- Tai-Chi Master (1993) as Zhang Jun Bao
- Tai-Chi Master (1993) Producer
- Once Upon a Time in China II (1992) as Wong Fei Hung
- The Legend of the Swordsman (1992) as Ling Wu Chung
- The Master (1992) as Kit
- Lucky Way (1992) as Self
- Once Upon a Time in China (1991) as Wong Fei Hung
- Dragon Fight (1989) as Jimmy Lee Kwok Lap
- Born to Defence (1988) as Jet
- Born to Defence (1988) Director
- Jet Li's Shaolin Style (1988)
- Dragons of the Orient (1988) as Self
- Martial Arts of Shaolin (1986) as Lin Zhi Ming
- Abbot Hai Teng of Shaolin (1985) as Self
- Kids from Shaolin (1984) as San Lung
- This Is Kung Fu (1983) as Self
- Shaolin Temple (1982) as Gong Yuen (Jue Yuan)
- Nonstop
- Multiverses Create 'The One' as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Jet Li best known for?
Jet Li is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Blades of the Guardians (2026), Mulan (2020), The Expendables 3 (2014), Voice (2012).
When and where was Jet Li born?
Jet Li was born on April 26, 1963 in Beijing, China.
How many credits does Jet Li have?
Jet Li has accumulated over 89 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1982 to 2026.
What is Jet Li's background in cinema and television?
Jet Li, born Li Lianjie on April 26, 1963, in Beijing, China, is a prominent martial artist, actor, film producer, and philanthropist. A former wushu champion, Li began his training at the Beijing wushu academy at age eight and went on to win five gold medals in Chinese championships. Throughout a career spanning more ...