Jet Li health: hyperthyroidism, net worth, and his acting retirement

Few martial arts stars have crossed cultures as seamlessly as Jet Li — but the 61-year-old actor’s latest fight isn’t on screen; he has been managing a chronic health condition that has reshaped his career and personal priorities. Here’s a look at his current health status, his decision to step back from acting, and how his net worth compares with longtime peer Jackie Chan.

Age (2024): 61 · Diagnosis: Hyperthyroidism (since 2010) · Last major film role: The Wandering Earth (2019) · Citizenship: Singapore · Years active: 1982–present

Here is a summary of Jet Li’s key personal details.

What is Jet Li diagnosed with?

Hyperthyroidism overview

Jet Li disclosed in 2010 that he had been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive hormones, accelerating metabolism (The Straits Times). Research from the American Thyroid Association notes this can cause fatigue, weight loss, and rapid heartbeat — all factors that have affected Li’s physical stamina.

Symptoms Jet Li experienced

• Weight fluctuation and loss of muscle mass
• Chronic fatigue and reduced energy for stunts
• Spinal problems from decades of physically demanding film work (CNA Lifestyle)
• Recurring public concern about frail appearance

The pattern is clear: Li’s body sent signals that a career built on explosive martial arts was no longer sustainable.

Treatment and management

Li manages hyperthyroidism with medication and lifestyle adjustments. In August 2024, he underwent surgery to remove a small benign tumour, a procedure he described as an “unexpected challenge” (The Straits Times). A close friend stated the growth was non-cancerous, and Li posted recovery videos two days later.

Impact on his career

Li has said in interviews that hyperthyroidism made it difficult to maintain the physical conditioning needed for lead roles. His last lead performance was in The Expendables 3 in 2014, and he has not signed on for a major action film since (The Straits Times).

The pattern: Li’s health condition has directly curtailed his acting output.

Why isn’t Jet Li making movies anymore?

Health as a primary factor

Li has repeatedly cited hyperthyroidism as the main reason for stepping back. In a 2017 interview with Fox News, he stated:

“I have an unexpected challenge. I have hyperthyroidism.”

— Jet Li, Fox News interview, cited by The Straits Times

(The Straits Times) The condition, combined with past spinal injuries, forced him to reconsider any physically demanding role.

Reduced physical ability

• Heart condition and spinal problems documented since 2013 (CNA Lifestyle)
• Scripts requiring choreographed fight sequences became unfeasible
• Li now uses a more measured pace, with careful movement

Focus on philanthropy

After renouncing his US citizenship in 2009, Li moved to Singapore and shifted energy into the One Foundation, a disaster-relief and children’s charity he founded (The Straits Times).

Occasional cameo appearances

Li made a cameo in The Wandering Earth (2019) but has not taken a leading role since 2014. He has stated that he does not plan to return to full-time acting (CNA Lifestyle).

The implication: his health has permanently shifted his career from lead action roles to selective appearances.

Who’s richer, Jet Li or Jackie Chan?

Eight categories span the comparison. One pattern: Jackie Chan’s diversified business portfolio and longer Hollywood tenure give him a clear financial lead.

The implication: while Jet Li’s net worth remains among the highest for Chinese actors, Jackie Chan’s continued active output and cross-industry ventures have given him a financial edge of roughly $150 million.

The pattern: both actors have earned enormously, but Chan’s longer active career and diverse income streams push him ahead.

Why did Jet Li renounce his US citizenship?

Reason given by Jet Li

In a 2021 social media post, Li explained that he renounced US citizenship in 2009 to focus on charitable work and to simplify travel for his foundation’s global projects (CNA Lifestyle). He denied the move was tax-driven.

Citizenship timeline

• Born in Beijing, China (1963)
• Naturalised US citizen (2000s)
• Renounced US citizenship (2009)
• Became citizen of Singapore (2009)

Current nationality

Li holds a Singapore passport and maintains residences in Singapore and China. He travels extensively for the One Foundation’s disaster relief operations.

Impact on career

The move did not affect his film career significantly, though some Chinese audiences viewed it as a loss of “local” status in mainland China. Li has continued to work on Chinese and international projects, albeit at a reduced pace.

What this means: citizenship choices reflected a strategic personal shift toward philanthropy, not a financial avoidance tactic.

Do Jackie Chan and Jet Li get along?

Historical collaborations

The two martial arts icons co-starred in The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008). Their only joint promotional tour was highly publicised.

Public statements

Jackie Chan said on The Graham Norton Show that working with Jet Li was a career highlight, respecting Li’s wushu technique. Li has similarly praised Chan’s comedic timing and stunt durability (IBTimes).

On-set dynamics

During The Forbidden Kingdom, both actors insisted on performing their own stunts. No public disagreements have been documented.

“I’ve always wanted to work with him. We have very different styles — his is more classical, mine is more acrobatic — and that’s what made it so special.”

— Jackie Chan on The Graham Norton Show (2008), per IBTimes

Mutual respect

The two have never been rivals in a negative sense. Their different personas — Chan the comedic everyman, Li the disciplined warrior — have allowed them to occupy separate lanes in martial arts cinema.

The pattern: they complement rather than compete, creating a rare mutual admiration in a competitive industry.

Related reading: Jet Li’s health concerns over the years

The revelation of Jet Li’s hyperthyroidism diagnosis in 2013, detailed in a thorough report on Jet Lis hyperthyroidism and career hiatus, provides deeper context into his decision to step away from film.

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