SINGAPORE, May 18 — Jet Li has reflected on his career, stage name and spiritual journey in a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), coinciding with the release of his new memoir Beyond Life and Death.
The Beijing‑born actor, who rose to international fame through films such as The Shaolin Temple and later Hollywood blockbusters, said producers had given him the moniker “Jet” at the start of his career because it was “fast, like an engine”.
Li, born Li Lianjie, was selected for intensive martial arts training at the age of eight. His screen debut at 18 led to a string of Hong Kong action films and later, a Hollywood career in the 2000s.
In his memoir, the 63‑year‑old combines his personal story with accounts of a spiritual quest shaped by Buddhist teachings. He spoke about coping with injuries, fame, a near‑death experience during a tsunami and managing hyperthyroidism in the 2010s.
In an interview with WSJ, Li described a daily routine that begins at dawn with meditation before a simple breakfast of coffee, toast and occasionally an egg. He said meditation was a way to control the “monkey mind” and to share positive energy with the world.
Li noted that old injuries from filming limit his exercise regime. So, he practises tai chi and plays ping‑pong with his wife for movement rather than competition.
He recalled being told his height would prevent him from acting, but said he compensated by mastering 18 weapons and multiple martial arts forms.
On his fondness for Costco, Li said: “I first went there in the ’90s. It’s cheap and you can buy things in bulk that you can use for two years. Toilet paper, instant coffee, toothpaste.”
He explained that, according to Chinese belief, one should wear red for good luck during their zodiac year. As a result, he had his daughter buy 30 red cotton T‑shirts from Costco.
“My wife and I have been wearing the same comfortable red T‑shirts at home for five years.”
