Jackie Chan

Who he is: 

Jackie Chan is a Hong Kong–born actor, martial artist, stunt coordinator, and filmmaker who blends acrobatics, intricate choreography, and physical comedy. Trained in the Peking Opera tradition, he developed a singular screen style that emphasizes timing, ingenuity, and practical stunts. His films—and his hands-on involvement in them—made him a global ambassador for action cinema.

Why he matters: 

Chan redefined what action movies could be by fusing humor with carefully engineered, safety-minded stunt work. He shows that craftsmanship, rehearsal, and teamwork turn risky ideas into art. His cross-cultural popularity proves cinema can communicate through movement as powerfully as words.