While martial arts legend Jackie Chan built a glittering empire worth hundreds of millions, his estranged daughter Etta Ng Chok Lam was making desperate cries for help online — claiming she was penniless, abandoned, and living in poverty.
A Daughter Forgotten
Now, questions are swirling about how the man behind “Rush Hour” blockbusters and billions in box office gold could sit back while his only daughter, the child he reportedly never supported, filmed a heartbreaking plea from the streets.
Etta, who is the daughter of Jackie Chan and former Miss Asia winner Elaine Ng, has been estranged from the star since birth. He was never part of her life, and it appears he was never part of her bank account either.
Her mother, Elaine, confirmed what many had long suspected: Jackie had been completely absent from their daughter’s life.
But when Etta posted a startling video online revealing she was broke and identifying her father as Jackie Chan, her mother was quick to strike back. Elaine admitted:
“It’s wrong. I feel if they have no money, they should go find work. They shouldn’t film a clip telling others they are broke and who Etta’s father is.”
The emotional distance between mother and daughter was just as apparent. When asked if she was in contact with Etta, Elaine dismissed the question entirely, saying, “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Trauma, Therapy, and a Fractured Past
The former beauty queen also divulged that her daughter was battling post-traumatic stress disorder and had seen a doctor in Hong Kong. But since moving away, she claimed Etta had stopped therapy altogether.
It was a rare and raw glimpse into the troubled life of a young woman born into scandal — and seemingly left to fend for herself.
Jackie’s Fortune: From Blockbuster Gold to Generous Goodwill
By 2015, Jackie Chan, the king of kung fu comedy, had amassed a fortune estimated at $350 million after nearly six decades in the entertainment industry.
His films have raked in over $2.6 billion globally. He’s the face of global ad campaigns, a producer, a theater owner — a bona fide cinematic powerhouse.
But as his career reached stratospheric heights, Jackie made a jaw-dropping decision: he gave most of his money away. His fortune has dwindled in recent years, not due to mismanagement or extravagance, but because of his passion for philanthropy.
The Humble Star With Soap in His Suitcase
Despite earning an estimated $40 to $50 million per year, Jackie is legendarily frugal. No flashy cars. No luxury wardrobes.
One story stands out: while in Los Angeles, he kept a bar of soap wrapped in a plastic bag from a previous trip to Macau — refusing to throw it away.
Even at 71 years old, he remains more focused on service than stardom. He sees himself not just as a movie icon — but as a guardian of the world.
Millions Given, But Not to His Own Child?
Jackie has donated millions to children’s hospitals, disaster relief, and educational causes. As early as 1988, he founded the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation, offering scholarships and aid to the underprivileged across China.
In 2004, he launched the Dragon’s Heart Foundation, focusing on building schools and improving education in rural, impoverished regions.
For Jackie, it all traces back to his own struggles. “When I was young, I didn’t have much,” he once said. “I didn’t go to school. That’s why I always tell young people, ‘Study hard. Learn as much as you can,’ because I wish I had that chance.”
But while the world benefitted from Jackie’s generosity, it appears his own daughter was left behind — unseen, unsupported, and crying out to strangers on the internet.
Jackie Chan, one of the most recognizable stars in global cinema, has built an estimated fortune of around $350 million over his decades-long career. However, while his wealth and philanthropy are well-documented, his personal life—particularly his relationship with his estranged daughter, Etta Ng Chok-lam—has drawn controversy and public sympathy.
Etta Ng, born in 1999 from Chan’s extramarital affair with former beauty queen Elaine Ng Yi-lei, has spoken openly about her difficult upbringing and her father’s absence. Despite being the daughter of one of the richest actors in Asia, Etta has reportedly faced financial struggles. In 2018, she and her partner were allegedly seen in Canada seeking food assistance and temporary shelter, sparking headlines about how Jackie Chan’s daughter was “living in poverty.”
Meanwhile, Jackie Chan has publicly stated that he does not plan to leave his fortune to his children. He has explained that if his children are capable, they can make their own money—and if not, his wealth would be wasted on them. Instead, he has pledged to donate most of his estate to charity. This philosophy reflects Chan’s belief in self-reliance and social responsibility, but it has also drawn criticism given his strained relationship with Etta.
Chan has admitted to past mistakes, including being an absent father, and has expressed regret over his personal life in his memoir Never Grow Up. Still, his financial decisions remain consistent with his belief that his success should not automatically translate into inherited privilege for his children.
Ultimately, Jackie Chan’s fortune has not “disappeared,” but his daughter’s hardships highlight the deep emotional and familial rift between them. The contrast between his immense wealth and Etta’s reported poverty underscores how family relationships—not money—can define true fortune.
