08/26/2025
Jackie Chan first met Bruce Lee professionally during the filming of *The Dragon’s Entrance* in the early 1970s. At that time, Jackie was working as a stuntman for a Japanese actor and was chosen by Bruce Lee himself for a night fight scene because of his timing and sync. During rehearsal, Bruce’s strikes were controlled, but when the cameras rolled, he accidentally hit Jackie hard in the face. Despite the pain, Jackie was used to such risks, but it was Bruce’s immediate and genuine concern that made the moment unforgettable.
A few days later, the two met again at the Peninsula Hotel, where Bruce surprised Jackie by asking to join him bowling. Bruce didn’t just casually tag along—he was focused and serious, even chasing away fans seeking Jackie’s autograph as if acting as his personal bodyguard. Their brief time together revealed a side of Bruce Lee that was protective and quietly caring, deepening the respect between the two martial artists.
Jackie recalls that encounter fondly, reflecting on how it marked the beginning of a lasting memory with the legendary Bruce Lee, whose untimely death in 1973 shocked and saddened him deeply. This story remains a testament to the bond forged in those few moments on and off set—an enduring tribute to the greatest dragon of all time.
