“Why Didn’t You Call Me?”: Michael Jackson Left Jackie Chan Baffled With an Unexpected Phone Call Once

Published 12/08/2022, 12:15 PM EST

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via Imago

One of the lesser-known facts is that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, never got to interact with martial arts legend Jackie Chan in person. Rising parallelly in mainstream entertainment, the two worked hard to achieve success. As Jackie earned himself fame with Snake in the Eagle’s shadow and Drunken Master in 1978, Michael too got his first worldwide recognition with his Off the wall album in 1979. Smitten by Micheal’s charisma, Jackie always wanted to meet with him.

Thus, when he got a chance to work with Michael’s friend Chris Tucker for their iconic comedy film, Rush Hour, the latter could not help but request Chris to arrange a meeting. Though Chris was reluctant, as he had no clue whether or not Jackson would be interested in talking with Jackie, the martial artist could hardly believe it when Michael actually gave him a call.

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Jackie Chan was left in disbelief

Tired after his last day shoot as Jackie decided to replenish his sleep, his assistant got an unexpected call from Michael. Though excited to get the call, Chan’s assistant sadly had to turn down Michael that day. Reason? “Big brother,” Jackie was sleeping. As Jackie eventually woke up and took updates, he was left in utter disbelief.

via Getty

Too shocked even to comprehend that his assistant had turned down Jackson’s call because he was sleeping, he could only mouth, “Why Didn’t You Call Me?” Jackie shared the tale with co-star Chris, show host Jimmy Kimmel, and the audience in an old interview. Upon hearing the story, everyone, including Jackie, ended up laughing.

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As the studio echoed with laughter, good friend Chris chipped in to say“He thought someone was playing on the phone.” For those unversed, Chris and Jackie came to promote the sequel to their 1998 comedy film Rush Hour. Though Michael and Jackie never got to share the screen together, the two remained on cordial terms. When the King of Pop passed away, Chan expressed his heartbreak for missing the legend’s call out.

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The moment that Jackie wished to change

Even though Jackie tried to reach Jackson after he had missed his call, he could not connect with him again. Perhaps busy, Michael did not answer the call. Expressing regret, Chan told to Sina.com, “I missed Michael’s last call to me. I returned his call as soon as my assistant told me about it, but he did not answer.”

via Imago

Joining with millions of others, the Hong Kong star mourned the demise of Michael Jackson. Known for his enigmatic persona, Michael Joseph Jackson, more popularly dubbed the “King of Pop,” is hailed as a global icon. The American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist is one of the most decorated musicians in history. Famous for his settler dance movies, he remains a cultural icon to date.

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Written by:

Mubhaswara Ahamed

705Articles

One take at a time

Mubhaswara Ahamed is currently working as a US Sports Author for Essentially Sports. She completed her Grad degree in English Literature from Calcutta University. Mubhaswara was introduced to the world of sports by her father.
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Edited by:

Simar Singh Wadhwa