#SHOWBIZ: Jet Li on death: There's no one whose kin doesn't die

New Straits Times

4 days ago

SINGAPORE: Often plagued by rumours of his own demise, Jet Li recently spoke candidly about death in an interview.
In a video interview with the Chinese magazine Sanlian Lifeweek, published on July 10, the 62-year-old China-born action star, who has been a Singaporean citizen since 2009, was asked if he ever felt "sad and regretful" about the death of a friend or senior.
He responded: "Why should we feel sad and regretful?"
Li added that frequently in dramas, characters often express regret about not seeing someone for the last time or fulfilling their wishes before they passed away.
"For people around me who have died, those who know me would be aware that I wouldn't attend their funeral.
"Some others have said that I am heartless and too straightforward, and I would tell them there's no one whose relatives don't eventually die," he added.
Li also shared that his youngest daughter, Jada, now 22, experienced suicidal thoughts when she was 19.
When she recovered, they both sat down to discuss afterlife arrangements.
He said: "We had an honest conversation, because death is inevitable. Why should we avoid it? We had a good chat about it.
"Many people live with regrets and a life where they are not honest in facing situations.
"Since we are born, we will inevitably die. But we often say that death is inauspicious and shouldn't be discussed."
Li believes that rather than agonising about death, people should live their lives well.
He added: "Knowing that I will die, should I worry about it every day until it happens? Or, knowing that it will happen someday, should I treasure the way I live every day? I think living well every day is more important."