Global action icon Jackie Chan, 71, is making headlines not just for his upcoming Chinese film but for a deeply personal revelation about his strained relationship with his son, Jaycee Chan. At a recent event, the veteran actor opened up about his regrets as a father, drawing poignant parallels with a father-son reconciliation scene from his new movie.
A Scene That Struck a Chord
While promoting his film, Jackie Chan shared that a particular scene depicting a father and son mending their relationship resonated powerfully with him. The 71-year-old star confessed that it mirrored his own heartfelt wish: to have a closer bond with his 43-year-old son, Jaycee Chan. Reports have long suggested a distance between the two, often attributed to Jackie's notoriously strict and critical approach to parenting in the past.
Admitting Past Mistakes in Parenting
Reflecting on his journey as a father, Jackie Chan did not hold back in admitting his errors. He acknowledged that he realised too late that his constant criticism instilled fear rather than providing positive guidance. In a candid moment, he outlined his past behaviour, which he now deeply regrets.
"In the past, whenever I saw my son, I scolded him. Whenever I went on television, I criticised him, I never said a kind word. I was wrong," the actor stated. He added, "Education shouldn’t be like this. I should have given him more freedom instead."
The Faded Birthday Calls and a Father's Hope
Jackie Chan also revealed a telling detail about their communication breakdown. He shared that Jaycee used to call him once a year, specifically on his birthday. However, even that ritual stopped after a while. Jackie admitted with regret that he once scolded his son for only calling on his birthday, demanding he call more often—a reaction he now wishes he could take back.
As he has grown older, Jackie says his perspective has changed fundamentally. His understanding of parenthood has evolved, and he recognises that his methods were flawed. Now, his wish for his son is simple and unconditional. "I want only one thing about Jaycee at this stage: that he is happy and he is safe," the emotional father expressed.
This public introspection offers a rare glimpse into the personal life of the martial arts superstar, highlighting universal themes of regret, aging, and the hope for familial reconciliation that transcends fame and fortune.
