Jackie Chan, 72, makes first public appearance in months — fans say the same thing

Return to HomepageEntertainment: Darth Vader's lightsaber for saleNicolas Cage casting slipMichael Douglas's indiscretionHayden Panettiere's estateNew movies this weekend'Yellowstone' spinoffs'Other Mommy' jump scaresElla Langley cancels concertJessica ChastainFacebook movie controversiesJackie Chan meets fans during the 78th Locarno Film Festival on August 10, 2025 in Locarno, Switzerland. (Getty Images)Jackie Chan made a rare public appearance ahead of the weekend in China.

The actor, 72, was spotted courtside at the NBA Global Games on October 9, watching the Houston Rockets take on the Dallas Mavericks (and win 135-117) at the Venetian Arena in Macau.

Jackie wore a white matching set with a brown turtleneck sweater and sneakers for his courtside appearance, joined by Alibaba co-founders Joseph Tsai and Jack Ma, plus football legend and friend David Beckham.

Jackie Chan made a rare public appearance at the NBA China Games 2026 between Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks (@ Getty Images)

David, 51, shared a photo from the game with Jackie on his Instagram page, captioning it: "Back with the legendary @jackiechan… Night one of the @nba China Games," and fans couldn't agree more with his description of the star.

"Omg! 2 legends!" one commented on the photo, with another saying: "Living legends," and a third similarly adding: "Two legends in one picture."

While Jackie continues to work, most recently tied to the fourth film in the Rush Hour franchise, which was slated to begin production earlier this year, he has maintained a lower public profile in recent years.

He was spotted courtside with David Beckham and Alibaba co-founders Jack Ma and Joseph Tsai (@ Getty Images)

His last public appearance was in early August at an event pertaining to the 7th Jackie Chan International Action Film Week, taking place in Harbin, China.

The renowned actor's last social media post was in July, a tribute to the late Hong Kong actor Patrick Tse, who passed away on July 16 at the age of 89. Jackie posted a throwback photo of the duo with a lengthy tribute.

"Incredibly saddened to hear the news that 'Sei Gor' (Mr. Patrick Tse) had passed away," he penned. "We've known each other for so long…. When I was still a stuntman, he was already a big star."

"He always looked after me on the set, and we went through so many things together. Thinking back at it now, all unforgettable memories. Just as his son, Nic, said: his forever elegant and charming character will always remain in our hearts. RIP."

Speaking of legends, though, Jackie has continued to find work especially in more franchise-oriented films in recent years. Aside from Rush Hour, he also returned to the Karate Kid franchise in 2025's Karate Kid: Legends, even dubbing it a full circle moment in an interview with The Independent leading up to it.

"People call me 'superstar.' They call me a legend. And it's like, 'Thank you so much.' That means all those years, what I do – all those years I risk my life to do this kind of [work] – they mean something," he said.

Jackie's last public appearance was in August at the closing ceremony of the 7th Jackie Chan International Action Film Week (@ Getty Images)

"I've been very lucky to work with [co-star Ralph Macchio]," he added. "When the [original] Karate Kid came out, I was young, I was depressed, and wanted to give up training. I was a stuntman – no job, the economy no good. Then I see Karate Kid, and, wow – it brings my confidence back, and I [start] training again. And somehow, now, we work together. It is a dream come true."