By Gray Chapman
On Sept. 3, SCAD bestowed an honorary professorship upon actor, director and producer Jackie Chan. Chan, who was trained at the Peking Opera School in Hong Kong, received the College’s first honorary professorship in recognition for his growth as an artist and ability to blend creative vision with professional expertise. President Paula Wallace was present at the reception in Hong Kong to honor Chan. “He is an inspiration for all who wish to pursue an artistic life, particularly SCAD students,” said President Wallace.
According to his online biography, Chan was raised in Hong Kong and began his martial arts,
acrobatics, singing and acting training at age seven at the China Drama Academy. After his first film appearance as a child actor in a Hong Kong production, Chan continued to work in cinema, garnering over 30 award nominations with the success of later films like the “Rush Hour” and “Shanghai Noon” series.
According to President Wallace, this lifelong dedication to the arts is why SCAD has honored Chan with the position of honorary professor of performing arts.