By Song Jang Chi | Beijing | November 8, 2025
A quiet tremor has swept through the world of cinema and martial arts this evening. In a statement released from Beijing just minutes ago, Ms. Huang Qiuyan, the wife of Jet Li, confirmed that the legendary actor and martial artist has been diagnosed with a serious illness.
The announcement, though brief, carried a weight that resonated across continents — from China, where his story began, to Hollywood, where his legacy took flight. Fans, colleagues, and admirers from around the world have responded with shock, sorrow, and an outpouring of affection for a man whose spirit has long symbolized discipline, resilience, and peace.
“He has always fought with strength — in art, in life, and in heart,” Ms. Huang shared in a subdued tone. “Even now, his faith and calm remain unshaken. He tells us not to worry, that every storm must pass.”
At 62 years old, Jet Li — born Li Lianjie — remains one of the most influential figures in global cinema, a man whose grace on screen transcended language, borders, and generations. Yet behind that serene smile, his family’s revelation tonight reminds the world that even legends are human — that time and illness come for all, even those who once seemed invincible.
A Legend Who Redefined Motion
For millions, Jet Li is not merely a martial artist or an actor — he is a living embodiment of cinematic poetry in motion.
Born in Beijing, 1963, Li’s journey began in a modest neighborhood, where his natural agility caught the eye of coaches at the Beijing Wushu Academy. By age 11, he was a national champion — a boy whose every movement reflected precision, respect, and beauty.
His leap from athlete to film star came with “Shaolin Temple” (1982) — a film that transformed Chinese cinema and introduced the world to his distinctive blend of athleticism and emotional depth. Li’s performances were never just about combat; they were about philosophy — the balance between inner peace and outer strength, the humility that follows victory.
Through classics like “Once Upon a Time in China”, “Fist of Legend”, “Hero”, and “Fearless”, he didn’t just fight on screen; he told stories of loyalty, justice, and sacrifice. In the West, films like “Romeo Must Die”, “Lethal Weapon 4”, and “The Expendables” introduced him to Hollywood, where he stood not as an exotic novelty but as a global icon — respected by peers, revered by audiences.
“He was a bridge between worlds,” said director Zhang Yimou, who worked with Li on “Hero”. “He brought Chinese philosophy to international cinema. Every gesture had meaning; every silence had weight.”
The Quiet Warrior Beyond the Screen
While his on-screen characters were fierce and unstoppable, those who knew Li personally describe him as gentle, thoughtful, and deeply spiritual.
After years of relentless filming and physical strain, Jet Li stepped back from the limelight in the 2010s, choosing instead to focus on family, faith, and philanthropy. In interviews, he often reflected on impermanence — the fragility of fame and the peace that comes with letting go.
He devoted much of his later life to humanitarian work, founding the One Foundation in 2007 — a charity dedicated to disaster relief, education, and mental health awareness. His work in philanthropy often echoed his filmic ethos: balance, compassion, and responsibility.
“He used to tell me that true strength isn’t measured in punches,” said long-time collaborator and friend Donnie Yen. “It’s measured in kindness, in how you treat the world when the cameras are off.”
In public appearances over the past few years, Li’s frail physical appearance sparked speculation about his health — something he addressed candidly, explaining his ongoing battle with hyperthyroidism and its effects on his energy and appearance. Still, he reassured fans that his heart and spirit were “stronger than ever.”
A Family’s Brave Revelation
Tonight’s revelation from Ms. Huang Qiuyan — Li’s first wife and a longtime confidante who has remained a quiet presence in his life — comes after months of speculation about the actor’s absence from public events.
The statement, shared through Li’s verified Weibo account, read simply:
“Our family wishes to thank everyone for their love and concern. Jet is receiving care and remains positive, as always. He asks for your prayers and privacy as he focuses on healing.”
The message was followed by a photo of the couple — simple, unfiltered — holding hands under soft sunlight, their faces serene. No glamour. No pretense. Only warmth.
The image went viral within minutes, accumulating millions of comments. “Even in illness, his spirit looks unbreakable,” wrote one user. Another said: “He taught us that peace is the greatest strength — now we send him our peace.”
Public Reaction: Fans Unite in Solidarity
Across Asia, tributes began pouring in almost immediately. In Beijing, fans left flowers and calligraphy scrolls outside the China Film Museum, where Li’s costumes and film posters are permanently displayed. In Hong Kong, cinemas replayed “Fist of Legend” and “Hero”, drawing tearful audiences.
On social media, the hashtag #PrayForJetLi trended worldwide.
Jackie Chan, Li’s longtime friend and collaborator, shared a message that quickly went viral:
“He’s my brother in every way that matters. He’s always given the world his best. Now, it’s our turn to give him our strength.”
Michelle Yeoh added:
“Jet has always lived with grace and light. His strength comes from love — and he has plenty of that surrounding him now.”
Meanwhile, directors, athletes, and even political figures across China and Singapore — where Li holds citizenship — expressed support. “He’s one of our cultural treasures,” said Singapore’s Minister for Culture in a televised statement. “His art transcends boundaries; his humanity unites us all.”
The Weight of Grace: A Life of Balance
Jet Li’s philosophy — shaped by Buddhism, meditation, and martial arts discipline — often guided his career choices. He once said, “Violence can destroy, but it can also protect. What matters is the heart behind it.”
That perspective infused his roles with moral complexity and emotional depth. Whether portraying Wong Fei-hung or a nameless swordsman in “Hero”, Li always used motion as metaphor — showing that the greatest battle is often within oneself.
Beyond film, he inspired countless young athletes to pursue wushu and self-mastery. His influence extended into education and art, helping bridge Eastern and Western philosophies in popular culture.
“To me,” said film historian Roger Fan, “Jet Li was the philosopher-warrior of our age. His legacy is not just in his films but in the quiet wisdom he shared about humanity.”
The Human Side of a Hero
Though revered worldwide, Li has long maintained that his most important role is that of father and husband. His daughters, who have largely stayed out of the public eye, are said to be by his side in Beijing.
“He’s always been humble about his success,” one family friend shared. “He meditates every morning, eats simply, and talks more about gratitude than fame. Even in illness, he’s reminding everyone to be thankful.”
Those words echo what fans have admired about Li for decades — his calm, his composure, and his refusal to be consumed by celebrity. In an industry built on spectacle, he chose silence as his statement.
Media Responsibility and the Space to Heal
As global media reports on his condition, there has been a growing call among fans and cultural leaders to respect Li’s privacy. The Asia Entertainment Journalists’ Guild released a statement tonight urging outlets to cover the story “with sensitivity, not speculation.”
“Jet Li gave the world discipline and dignity,” the statement read. “He deserves the same in return.”
This sentiment reflects the unique reverence the actor commands — not just as an artist, but as a moral figure whose humility transcended stardom.
Legacy of Light
Jet Li’s career spanned over 40 years, 40 films, and countless hearts touched. His art redefined action cinema, turning fight choreography into emotional storytelling. His humanitarian work continues to uplift lives. And his philosophy — that true power lies in stillness — remains timeless.
Whether through the electrifying precision of “Once Upon a Time in China” or the meditative calm of “Hero”, Li’s performances always reflected something universal: the search for peace in a chaotic world.
In 2020, when asked how he wished to be remembered, Li smiled and said:
“As someone who learned to breathe deeply — and taught others to do the same.”
A Hopeful Horizon
As fans across the world hold their breath, there remains a sense of quiet hope. Those close to Li say he continues to meditate daily, maintaining his faith in both medicine and the human spirit.
His longtime manager said tonight, “He tells us not to worry. He says life is like water — it always finds its way.”
That line, simple yet profound, feels fitting for a man whose presence has flowed through decades of art, compassion, and resilience.
For now, the world watches, prays, and waits — united in gratitude for a man who taught us that gentleness is the greatest form of strength.
