Jet Li Reveals His ‘Very Silly’ Father Days

The Journey of Fatherhood for Martial Arts Icon Jet Li

Martial arts legend Jet Li has shared insights into the challenges and growth he experienced as a father. In a candid reflection, he admitted that he used to be a “very silly” parent, highlighting how his approach to parenting evolved over time.

In two videos posted on his Xiaohongshu account on July 24 and 25, the actor discussed his changing perspective on fatherhood and the regrets he carries from his early years as a parent. These reflections offer a glimpse into the personal journey of one of the most iconic figures in martial arts and cinema.

Jet Li, who has four daughters—Si and Taimi from his first marriage, and Jane and Jada with his current wife, Hong Kong actress Nina Li—shared a memorable moment that still lingers in his memory. He recounted an instance where his daughter’s tooth fell out, and she placed it under her pillow, expecting a fairy to bring her money the next morning.

“I was just a very silly father and told her, ‘Don’t fret about it, there wouldn’t be any money the next morning because unless your parents give it to you, no fairy would come,’” he said. “She cried and I didn’t know what to do.”

Li explained that his bluntness came from his own upbringing, which lacked the elements of fairy tales and make-believe. His daughter later told him that instead of dismissing those childhood beliefs, he should have embraced the fantasy.

A Shift in Perspective

The actor became a father at age 25. Having lost his own father at just two years old, he was unsure of how to be a dad back then, thinking that being a good father meant working hard, earning money, and providing a good education for his children. However, as the years passed, he realized he had missed out on much of his daughters’ lives.

“My girls [from my first marriage] had grown up so much and were already in school, and when we met, I could only ask how their studies were,” he said. “It felt like I was just doing my parental duties.”

Now, Li says his view of fatherhood has shifted. He has turned down several film projects to spend more time with his younger daughters, Jane and Jada. He now engages with them as friends, allowing them to express their thoughts and even challenge him.

From Martial Arts to Global Stardom

Born in Beijing, China, Jet Li faced hardship early in life after his father’s death. At the age of eight, he discovered Wushu and rose to become China’s national all-around champion from 1975 to 1979. He retired at 18 due to a knee injury but continued his involvement in martial arts by serving as an assistant coach for the Beijing Wushu team.

His breakthrough in cinema came with the 1982 film “Shaolin Temple,” which broke Chinese box office records. The 1984 sequel, “Kids from Shaolin,” also became the highest-grossing film of that year.

Li made his international debut in the 1998 film “Lethal Weapon 4” and went on to star in global hits such as “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” and “The Expendables” series. In 2011, he confirmed he had obtained Singaporean citizenship, further expanding his global influence.

Embracing New Roles and Priorities

Throughout his career, Jet Li has demonstrated a commitment to both his craft and his family. As he continues to navigate the complexities of fatherhood, his journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of presence, connection, and understanding in raising children.

His story highlights the evolving nature of parenthood and the need for flexibility and empathy in building meaningful relationships with children. As he balances his professional ambitions with his personal life, Jet Li remains a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and the enduring power of love and family.