Fans of Jet Li can breathe a sigh of relief.
Photos of the world famous martial arts actor appeared on social media recently, in which he appeared shockingly aged and frail. Fans immediately took to the internet to express their worry that Li was in failing health, and that he was looking far beyond his 55 years.
“He is completely fine,” his manager, Steven Chasman, assured. “We appreciate everyone’s concern. But Jet is completely fine,” he told USA Today. “There’s nothing wrong with him. There’s no life-threatening illness. He’s in great shape.”
The photos that appeared online of Li were taken while he graced a temple in Tibet with his presence. One particular picture shows him smiling and in seemingly good spirits, but standing under an unflattering, glaring light that may have given Li a grey, unhealthy cast that concerned his fans. His manager pointed out, “If you took a picture of me at the wrong angle and wrong time of the day, I could look frail, as well.”
It’s worth noting that Li was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in 2013 and has been dealing with its side effects, which include muscle weakness and sleeplessness, ever since. Luckily, he seems to be taking it in stride, and continues to march steadily on.
It would seem that the worry that rippled its way through the internet is, as Li’s manager says, “much ado about nothing”.
Phew!