Jet Li Family Tree: The Story Behind Once Upon a Time in China

Li Lianjie, known as Jet Li, born 26 April 1963 in Beijing, China, is a Chinese-American-Singaporean martial arts superstar — 5× Chinese National Wushu Champion (1974-1979); 40+ films: Shaolin Temple (1982), Once Upon a Time in China series (1991-97), Hero (2002), Fearless (2006), The Forbidden Kingdom (2008 — with Jackie Chan), The Expendables trilogy (2010-2014), Mulan (2020).

The Family's Roots: A Beijing Family

Father died when Jet was 2.

His Parents

Father: Jet Li Sr. — died when Jet was 2 (not widely detailed).

Mother: raised him and 4 siblings in poverty.

His Wives

Huang Qiuyan (m. 1987, div. 1990).

Nina Li Chi (Li Zhi), born 31 December 1961 (m. 19 September 1999) — Hong Kong actress.

His Children

Si Li, born 1989 — daughter with Huang; UN advisor.

Taimi Li, born 1990 — daughter with Huang.

Jane Li, born 19 April 2000 — daughter with Nina.

Jada Li, born 2002 — daughter with Nina.

The Li Family Tree at a Glance

Father: died when Jet was 2.

Mother: raised 5 children in Beijing.

Wives: Huang Qiuyan (1987-90); Nina Li Chi (b. 31 December 1961; m. 19 September 1999).

Daughters: Si Li (b. 1989); Taimi Li (b. 1990); Jane Li (b. 19 April 2000); Jada Li (b. 2002).

Jet Li:

  • Born 26 April 1963, Beijing
  • Beijing Wushu Team from age 8 (1971)
  • 5× Chinese National Wushu Champion: 1974-1979
  • Shaolin Temple (1982) — debut
  • Hong Kong 1988+; Hollywood from Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)
  • Singapore citizenship: 2009
  • Founded One Foundation: 2007 (Chinese philanthropic org)
  • Hyperthyroidism diagnosis: 2013

What the Li Family Story Teaches Us

A father lost at 2. A mother of 5 children in Beijing. Two marriages producing 4 daughters. A career that combined 5× Chinese Wushu Champion with global martial-arts stardom.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Jet Li story carries the same lesson. Some careers cross a fatherless Beijing childhood to Hollywood.

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