A shocking rumor claiming that Jackie Chan had passed away at the age of 71 recently went viral on social media, accompanied by a convincing yet AI-generated image of the legendary actor lying on a hospital bed. The fabricated photo even included a false date, making the fake news appear more credible and leading many to mistakenly believe the information was legitimate.
However, the rumor was swiftly debunked. Fans quickly took to social media to reject the claim, recognizing the image as fake. The hoax was laid to rest when Jackie Chan’s official Weibo account updated with a post promoting his upcoming film release, confirming that he is very much alive and active.
According to Chinese media outlet Sohu, this isn’t the first time the global action star has been the target of false reports. Since as early as 2015, rumors surrounding his deteriorating health or alleged death have surfaced multiple times. In recent years, misleading photos have been replaced by AI-generated images, increasing the realism and viral potential of these hoaxes.
At a recent public appearance, the 71-year-old actor acknowledged that age has taken a toll on his body. He candidly shared that he often experiences joint pain in his knees, ankles, and shoulders, especially when sitting for extended periods. Yet, he remains committed to his craft, humorously noting that whenever a director shouts “Action,” the pain temporarily vanishes.
Jackie Chan revealed that he uses medicated patches nightly to ease the discomfort, sometimes even causing skin irritation. Despite the physical strain, he maintains a positive outlook, expressing that “growing old is a kind of happiness.” He also expressed a desire to take on diverse roles beyond his action star image, striving to show audiences new sides of his acting.
His remarks came at a time when behind-the-scenes footage of him moving slowly while assembling a prop gun circulated online, stirring concern among fans. Previously, Jackie had addressed another viral image—one showing him with gray hair and beard—clarifying it was simply for a film role and not indicative of his real-life appearance.
This latest hoax has sparked public outrage, with fans and media alike urging stronger action against fake news and AI manipulation, especially when it targets beloved public figures.
Sources: Znews