Image: Facebook/李连杰 Jet Li
Many fans were alarmed and in utter disbelief when a recent photo of Jet Li looking unrecognizable hit the internet over the weekend. The photo was shared on Twitter last May 20 by a certain Simón (@StxNaty); it’s a picture of Jet Li looking oceans removed from his “Shaolin Temple” and “The Expendables” days.
So, apparently, Jet Li is suffering from “hyperthyroidism and spinal problems” and this is him now ❤😓: pic.twitter.com/Ss0W2EL96D
— simón (@StxNaty) May 19, 2018
“So, apparently, Jet Li is suffering from ‘hyperthyroidism and spinal problems’ and this is him now,” wrote the netizen.
In the picture, Jet Li could be seen posting next to a fan in a temple in Tibet. He was wearing a black sweater and a puffer jacket and was clasping his hands together. He looked old and his hair was shaven off.
It was enough to make his loyal fans worry, but his manager, Steve Chasman, has since cleared up the air and told The Washington Post on Monday, May 21, that it was just a bad photo of someone who is 55 years old. “He has hyperthyroidism that he’s been dealing with for almost 10 years. It’s nothing life-threatening and he’s dealing with it,” Chasman was quoted as saying.
Jet Li also took to his Facebook page yesterday, May 23, to assure his fans he’s all well and good: “I would like to thank all my fans who expressed concerns about my health. I’m doing great and feeling great! I’m excited to share with you all a few projects I am working on in the near future. For now, thank you all for your concerns!”
He also shared a video of him in a speaking engagement at the TaijiZen Insitute in Chengdu last May 20, the same day his “bad photo” hit the internet and went viral. In the video, Jet Li was beaming as he spoke to a crowd, and although bald, he looked healthy, giving a bit more weight to observations that his viral photo just happened to have been taken in bad lighting.
Image: Facebook/李连杰 Jet Li
Image: Facebook/李连杰 Jet Li
It is true as well that the beloved martial arts actor has got some projects under his belt. He scored a spot in the live-action adaption of Disney’s “Mulan” and is likely to play the role of the emperor. The initial release of the movie is slated for March 2020. JB
RELATED STORIES:
Fans express disbelief over Jet Li’s photo
Gong Li, Jet Li score roles in ‘Mulan’ live-action movie