Hong Kong action cinema icon Jackie Chan, previously resolute in his pledge to donate his vast fortune entirely to charity, appears to be reviewing his philanthropic commitment, with reports suggesting he may allocate a portion of his substantial estate to family members. The veteran actor, 71, whose wealth is estimated at approximately HK$117 billion (S$1.95 billion), famously announced in 2011 his intention to bypass his children in his will.
Recent developments indicate a shift in perspective, with plans reportedly underway to provide ongoing financial support for his immediate family. This potential redistribution includes his wife, Lin Fengjiao, and his son, Jaycee Chan. Crucially, speculation has also arisen regarding the inclusion of his long-estranged daughter, Etta Ng, in the revised will.
A Decade of Estrangement and Public Scrutiny
Born in 1999 from Chan’s extramarital relationship with former actress Elaine Ng, Etta Ng has maintained a distant and often volatile relationship with both parents. Following her birth, Chan reportedly severed contact with the mother and daughter.
The question of whether Etta Ng will ultimately be named as a beneficiary remains a source of public intrigue. Hong Kong legal standards necessitate the explicit designation of an individual within a will for them to receive an inheritance. Etta, who has faced significant financial hardship and garnered headlines for alleged periods of instability, including purported sightings at a Canadian soup kitchen in 2022, has maintained a fiercely independent stance.
In prior statements, Ng has publicly minimized her father’s influence, declaring in a high-profile 2015 interview that Chan “never existed” in her life and that she did not regard him as a parent. Despite her struggles, Ng recently surfaced in Hong Kong, operating a street stall in Mongkok where she sells hand-painted clothing.
Complex Family Dynamics and Independence
The complex family dynamic extends to Ng’s relationship with her mother, Elaine Ng. Etta, who married social media influencer Andi Autumn in 2018, once took legal action against her mother, though she later claimed the intent was to secure professional help for her. Elaine Ng recently confirmed during a livestream event that she had not seen her daughter in over two years.
When celebrating her marriage, Etta used social media to articulate a worldview prioritizing chosen relationships over biological ties, stating, “A home is with the family that you can choose, and with that we are never alone. Love is undoubtedly stronger than blood.”
The celebrity’s potential decision to extend financial consideration to Etta marks a pivotal turn from his long-held public commitment to philanthropy. While the extent of any revised financial provision remains undetermined, the deliberation reflects the enduring tension between public legacy and private familial responsibility for one of Asia’s most recognizable figures.
Expert observers suggest that such a highly visible reconsideration of an estate plan often underscores the enduring, non-monetary value of addressing complex family relationships, even late in life. Any official confirmation regarding changes to the will would signal a significant shift in Chan’s approach to securing his private legacy alongside his extensive charitable contributions.