Martial arts legend Jet Li (李連杰), 62, has kept a low profile in recent years, choosing to focus on his family and philanthropic work. Despite his absence from the spotlight, the actor recently made a rare public appearance to celebrate a meaningful milestone: his daughter Jada Li’s graduation from Columbia University in New York.
In a heartfelt post shared online, Jet proudly posed with his daughters Jane and Jada, marking the occasion with a touching message:
“All four of our daughters have now graduated from university! This is a highlight in my life, please allow me to show off a little!”
Jet shares two daughters with his ex-wife Huang Qiuyan (黃秋燕) and two with his current wife, former actress Nina Li (利智). His second daughter, Taimi Li, is now an ophthalmologist, while his third daughter, Jane, is a Harvard University graduate. With Jada’s graduation, Jet joyfully noted that his parenting journey had reached a new chapter.
The action star praised Jada’s dedication and perseverance, noting that she worked diligently for over a decade to earn her degree. He playfully added,
“As for me, I’m at the bottom of our family. I don’t even have a primary school diploma.”
Jet Li also opened up about a deeply personal chapter in their lives. He revealed that Jada had struggled with depression from a very young age, first diagnosed at 7 and worsening by age 13. Jet admitted he was initially so consumed with his charity work at the One Foundation that he failed to see how much his daughter was hurting.
“She asked me, ‘You adults have already arranged everything for me. You want me to learn this and that, but have you ever asked me? What’s the meaning of my life?’”
Fearing for her safety, Jet made the decision to join Jada on a three-month Tibetan Buddhism course to better connect with her. That experience marked a turning point. By becoming her “friend and classmate,” Jet helped Jada begin her healing journey through spiritual exploration and personal growth.
Now, with her graduation behind her, Jada is free to chart her own path — something her father calls one of his life’s greatest moments.