The 62-year-old actor discussed his health struggles and philosophy on life and death in the July issue of Sanlian Lifeweek magazine. For almost 15 years, he has been managing hyperthyroidism, taking daily medication and enduring pain. While the condition affects his daily life, Li remains grateful.
He publicly disclosed his illness to prevent unfounded speculation about his health, yet rumors like "Jet Li has died" or "Jet Li is critically ill and frail" still occasionally surface. Li doesn't get angry or upset about the false reports. "My name helps them get more clicks, so whatever," he says.
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Jet Li traveling in May. Photo: Sohu |
Li admitted to once struggling with the pursuit of fame, fortune, power, and love. Now, he finds his most basic needs are three meals a day to sustain life. He eats simply, often having rice porridge and dishes like Beijing-style pickles and noodles with soybean paste.
The actor isn't concerned about his fame or status. Last year, he played a supporting role in *The Master*, giving younger actors the spotlight. "That's how society is," Li says. "Whoever is more popular is at the center."
For the past 6 years, Li has acted less, focusing on family and pilgrimages to Buddhist holy sites. His youngest daughter, 22-year-old Jada, often accompanies him. Li revealed that at 19, Jada was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and had attempted suicide. The actor and his wife supported Jada through her struggles, and her condition has improved.
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Jet Li and his daughters Jada (middle) and Jane. |
Father and daughter have discussed death, including funeral arrangements and inheritance. "Everyone dies eventually," Li says. "Why be afraid of something that will inevitably happen? I cherish every day I'm alive. Focusing on living each day well is what truly matters."
According to Chinatimes, during the peak of his career in the 1990s, many believed Li lived a dream life with wealth and fame. However, he revealed he felt lost during that time, often irritable and depressed. He realized that envy and competition diminished his joy. Li turned to Buddhism, seeking guidance from monks, and converted at a temple in Taiwan in 1998.
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Jet Li and his wife Nina Li Chi in Nepal in 2024. Photo: Chinatimes |
Born in Beijing in 1963, Li began studying martial arts at a young age. From 1975 to 1979, he won the All-China Wushu Championship five consecutive times. In 1980, at 17, he rose to fame with the film *Shaolin Temple*, followed by numerous hit martial arts movies like *Once Upon a Time in China*, *Swordsman II*, *Hero*, *Fearless*, and *Unleashed*.
Since completing *Mulan* in 2018, Li has reduced his acting work, dedicating time to traveling the world, often visiting Buddhist regions like Bhutan and Nepal for spiritual practice. He says eating and sleeping sustain life, but spiritual practice sustains the spirit, bringing him joy and peace. Li expresses gratitude for the wise teachers he's met on his spiritual journey. Unlike his younger self, he now feels relaxed, at ease, and free.
Li has been married to Nina Li Chi, Miss Asia 1986, for 25 years, and they have two daughters. Since their marriage, Li Chi has left the entertainment industry to focus on family.
Nhu Anh (via Lifeweek, Chinatimes)
