Jackie Chan Death Hoax Spreads to Millions; Actor Confirmed Alive at 72

A viral social media hoax falsely claiming that Jackie Chan had died spread rapidly online in late September 2026, reaching millions of viewers within hours. Posts featuring a black-and-white image of the actor accompanied by the dates "1954-2026" circulated across multiple platforms, with some individual posts receiving over 7 million views. The false claim prompted widespread concern among fans and triggered a flood of tribute posts.

The 72-year-old Hong Kong action star, whose real name is Fang Shilong, is alive and active, according to multiple fact-checkers and community notes that appeared on social media platforms. No credible reports, official announcements, or statements from Chan's family or representatives supported the death claims. Chan's most recent documented public appearance occurred on July 7, 2026, when he made a surprise visit to Pei Chun Public School in Singapore as part of an event organized by the Lim Family Foundation. During that visit, he interacted with over 900 students, sang his song "Hard to Say Goodbye," and shared reflections on his childhood and career.

This is not the first time Chan has been the subject of a death hoax. Similar false claims circulated in 2011, when reports suggested he had died following a heart attack, prompting his team to respond through his official Facebook page confirming he was "alive and well." Another hoax emerged in 2022, which was similarly debunked by fact-checkers. Fans responded to the latest hoax with expressions of relief after the false reports were confirmed as fraudulent, while celebrating Chan's decades-spanning career in Hong Kong and Hollywood cinema.

Chan remains active in the entertainment industry. He attended the Cannes Film Festival earlier in 2026, where he received a standing ovation during an appearance celebrating his work. On the production front, reports indicate Chan is in talks to return for "Rush Hour 4" alongside co-star Chris Tucker, though the film's development has faced delays related to budget financing and compensation negotiations. The actor's net worth is estimated at over $400 million as of 2026, and he resides primarily in Hong Kong.