Jackie Chan, the famous movie star and martial artist, has announced that none of his $400 million fortune will be going to his son when he dies.
In his 2015 autobiography, “Never Grow Up,” Chan discussed his belief that his son, Jaycee Chan, should make his own way in this world.9
The actor wrote about a time when he and his son Jaycee were booked on a flight, with Chan booking himself into first class and ordering an economy class ticket for his son.
Chan told his son “you have no money now, so you sit here” in economy, but his son was ultimately able to sit next to him in first class after a stewardess upgraded Jaycee into a vacant first class seat.
Writing in his book, Chan said that on every flight they had taken since then Jaycee was able to get a free upgrade into first class, telling his dad “I got another upgrade, I don’t need money.”
Trying to teach a lesson to Jaycee, he wrote: “You have me as a dad, but other people don’t. They have to fight their own battles. When you get to sit in first class, because of your own hard work, then that’s success.”
Chan said: “If he is capable, he can make his own money. If he is not, then he will just be wasting mine.”
Jaycee has earned his money as a musician and appeared in some films, though he has not attained significant commercial success in his career.
In 2014, he was arrested in China for the possession of marijuana and spent six months in prison.
Many other celebrities have made the decision to either not leave their fortunes behind for their kids or to put certain conditions on their children getting the money.
Former James Bond actor, Daniel Craig explained that his kids wouldn’t be getting any of his money as inheritance as he thinks its ‘distasteful’ and intends to ‘get rid of it’.
Craig has claimed he plans to ‘give away’ his money before he dies, an idea echoed by actor Ashton Kutcher who said he’d set up a bit of a trust for his kids and maybe invest if they had ‘a good business plan’, but otherwise it’d be going to charity.
British TV legend Bruce Forsyth left behind an £11.7 million fortune but left none of it to his six children in his will, instead setting up trusts for his grandchildren and leaving the rest to his wife.
Shaquille O’Neal has said his kids need to get two university degrees if they want to inherit some of his wealth, while Hugh Hefner’s wife and kids had to remain drug-free to get their slice of his fortune.
Jackie Chan’s decision to not leave his son any of his fortune is not unusual among celebrities.
Some celebrities have even chosen to give their money away before they die, to prevent it from becoming a source of conflict among family members.
Ultimately, Chan’s decision is a reflection of his belief that his son should learn to make his own way in the world and earn his own success, rather than relying on his father’s wealth.
Do you agree with his decision?
