Jaden Smith has quite the “legend” to pay credit to and celebrate this week: the one and only Jackie Chan.
As the iconic Rush Hour actor rang in his 72nd trip around the sun, the Life in a Year actor reflected on the impact he has had on him and his career.
The two actors got to know each other back in 2010, when the famed stuntman starred opposite him in the 2010 remake of The Karate Kid.
In honor of Jackie’s special day, Jaden, 27, took to Instagram and shared what appears to be a relatively recent photo of the two.
Jaden appeared wearing a baggie fit with an ornate, oversized cap, while Jackie appeared in a black sweatsuit, smiling and pointing towards Jaden.
“@jackiechan I Love You,” Jaden wrote in his caption, adding: “You Changed My Life & Taught Me Things I Will Never Forget I Could Never Be Who I Am Today Without You You’re A Legend An Icon And A Leader Happy Birthday See You Soon.”
Fans and celebrity friends alike were quick to take to the comments with their congratulations, with Jaden’s younger sister Willow Smith writing: “THE CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE.”
Others followed suit with: “Karate Kid forever,” and: “Legend,” as well as: “The dynamic duo!!!” plus another follower also wrote: “I remember the days this movie was all I watched.”
For Jackie’s milestone 70th birthday two years ago, Jaden’s father Will Smith similarly paid tribute to him and emphasized his significance for the family, sharing photos of the three on set in Beijing in 2010.
© WireImage“Happy 70th (wow) Birthday to My Guy @jackiechan!!” Will wrote at the time. “In addition to making some of my FAVORITE movies of all time, creating some of the CRAZIEST moments that have ever been captured on film – I thank you most for [helping] to raise Jaden.”
© Getty“Our time with you in Beijing during the Karate Kid left an eternal impact on our entire family,” he went on, adding: “We wish you the deepest Love & Revelation on your next trip around the sun.”
Jackie at the time also reflected on his milestone birthday, writing in his own Instagram post: “Even before today, many friends have been reminding me: ‘Jackie, it’s going to be your 70th birthday!’ Every time I hear this number, my heart would stop for a second – l’m 70 years old already? After recovering from the shock, the second thing that would come to my mind is a saying that my big brother, Sammo Hung once said: ‘Being able to grow old is a fortunate thing.’ Especially for us stunt people, we don’t know how lucky we are to be able to grow old.”
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