“Go away! Leave me alone!”: Jackie Chan’s Meeting With the Former Queen of England Didn’t End Well For Either Party
Hong Kong actor and filmmaker Jackie Chan is known for his unique fighting style, impeccable comic timing, and innovative stunts which he performs himself. He started his acting career at the mere age of five when he would appear in small roles. His first recognizable role came at the age of eight when he appeared in the 1962 film Big and Little Wong Tin Bar.
Jackie Chan’s breakthrough role did not come until 1978 when he starred in the movie Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow. He gained access to the mainstream industry with the success of the movie Drunken Master, which was also released in 1978. He was still finding his footing in the entertainment industry when he first got the chance to meet the Queen of England.
Jackie Chan’s Meeting With the Queen of England Was Awkward
Jackie Chan has established his name in Hollywood with successful franchises like Rush Hour and Shanghai Noon. He also managed to win the hearts of kids with the animated series Jackie Chan Adventures which has grown quite popular among little spectators. He is one of the most famous international stars and has some of the most interesting stories to share with the audience.
The Karate Kid star often makes appearances in interviews and popular talk shows. During one of Chan’s appearances on The Graham Norton Show, the host Graham Norton, known for his love of pulling amusing stories out of his guests, managed to get the actor to speak about his story of meeting the Queen.
In the episode, British actress Dawn French recounted her experience of meeting the Queen of England and revealed how everyone gets awkward around the member of the royal family. When prompted by Norton, Jackie Chan also said that his encounter with the Queen was not great by any means because he did not know much English then. Hence, things turned awry when the Queen kept on speaking to him while he just stood there silently.
Jackie Chan Wished The Queen Would Leave Him Alone
Having to communicate in a language that one does not know can often bring unwanted trouble for one. While meeting The Queen of England and having her know one is not exactly trouble, Jackie Chan found it daunting because he was not sure how to react given he was only told to address the Queen as “Your Royal Highness” and curtsy to her.
While recounting the meeting on The Graham Norton Show, Chan said:
“She keep talking to me. My head is empty. I don’t know what she talking about. [mimicking a nervous smile and nod] Honestly, I was like ‘Go Away, Go Away! Leave me alone!’ Of course, I am so happy standing there more than like three minute or five minute, but I was just like, ‘Go away, please! Please! Don’t talk to me anymore’. I don’t know how to answer back.”
The Kung Fu actor was obviously happy that he had gotten the chance to meet the Queen. However, the fact that he was not able to answer her made the interaction quite awkward.
