In mid-August, Chinese media circulated images of Jet Li lying in a hospital bed, looking frail, causing concern among fans. Although the actor’s representatives confirmed he only underwent short-term treatment, the news still stirred public discussion.
In October, he made a surprising appearance at the International Traditional Wushu Championship in China, looking agile and radiant, where he also met with actor Wu Jing and master Wu Bin.
In recent photos, Jet Li also showed significant health recovery just two months after being discharged from the hospital. The drastic change in his appearance sparked rumors that the martial arts star had undergone organ transplant surgery for “rejuvenation.”
Previously, the Once Upon a Time in China star announced his withdrawal from the entertainment industry due to thyroid disease and musculoskeletal injuries from years of performing action films. In 2023, he announced he had made a will and was preparing for his passing.
On November 3, Jet Li posted a video, believed to be a response to the rumors. In the video, he performed martial arts moves and jumped into a swimming pool. His shirtless appearance showed no scars on his body, which was seen as a way to deny the transplant rumors.
Recently, rumors have also circulated on social media suggesting that Jet Li used organs from Shaolin monk Thu Phong, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 21.
Regarding the false information, the actor shared in his newly posted video: “People’s words are truly frightening. We need to have our own opinions and be clear-headed. Don’t let public opinion lead you astray. I do not know the person mentioned, and I hope everyone refrains from using others’ misfortunes to create rumors. Live healthily and think independently.”
Jet Li (born 1963) is one of Asia’s leading martial arts stars, famous for works such as: Fong Sai Yuk, Once Upon a Time in China, Shaolin Temple, and more.
He won five consecutive national wushu championships in China and quickly became a martial arts icon when he entered the film industry in 1982.
At the peak of his career, Jet Li received a salary of up to 100 million CNY (nearly 370 billion VND) for each project and was one of the rare Chinese artists to be included in the global super-rich list in 2011.
In addition to his film career, he also founded the One Foundation to support disaster relief, assist children, and engage in charitable activities. In recent years, he has lived a quiet life, dedicating most of his time to meditation, studying Buddhism, and charity work.
In 2024, he released an autobiography recounting the challenges in his career, how he faced health struggles, and his daughter’s severe mental illness.
In a conversation earlier this year, Jet Li also revealed that he had gone through a period of depression, withdrawal, and fear of crowds due to the pressure of early fame. The actor stated that he now cherishes his health and peace, choosing a tranquil life with his family.
According to Jet Li’s wishes, his entire estimated fortune of $250 million will be left to his wife, former Miss Asia Nina Li Chi. He also expressed a desire for a simple, private funeral and to have his “ashes scattered at sea or in the mountains.”
