????CHINA’S action superstar Jackie Chan made it onto this year’s Forbes highest-paid celebrities list. At number 38, Chan is the world’s second-highest-paid actor, pocketing US$50 million in pre-tax earnings, second only to American actor Robert Downey Jr., who made US$80 million at number 8. ????Chan was also the only Chinese figure among world’s top 100 moneymakers this year, a China Daily report said. ????The 61-year-old actor has gradually withdrawn from jumping between buildings and swinging from wires in recent years. He hasn’t starred in an American live action hit in five years. Even in his Chinese productions, he has reduced his workload and physically demanding scenes. ????This didn’t seem to affect his income. ????His latest film “Dragon Blade,” also starring Adrien Brody and John Cusack, grossed US$120 million. According to Forbes, it is likely that Chan made more than US$10 million from the film. ????Besides acting, Chan is also good at branding and marketing. As the second best-known martial artist after the legendary Bruce Lee, it is not difficult to imagine the volume of (and the price tag attached to) Chan-branded merchandise. The traditional Chinese-style shirt that Chan is often seen wearing is just one of the goods Chan sells. ????On top of this, he also owns a Segway (a two-wheeled electronic vehicle) dealership and a chain of cinemas that bear his name. Chan also launched his first-ever film and television academy in late May. Forbes estimated Chan’s net worth at US$350 million, a figure the star and his team declined to comment on. ????Even as one of the most profitable faces in the world and perhaps the greatest living kung fu artist in China, Chan has always advocated frugality. ????During an interview with Forbes, Chan disclosed that he travels with a bar of soap from his room at MGM Grand in Macao in a plastic bag, instead of wastefully discarding it when it could still be used. ????Chan also reportedly watered plants with the water that remained in his glass after a meal at actor Will Smith’s house to conserve resources. ????As a philanthropist, Chan has worked to discourage Chinese consumers from purchasing products made from poached tigers and rhinos. He has also called on society to stay away from illegal substances. ????On Forbes’ list of the world’s top 100 highest-paid celebrities list this year, boxers Floyd Mayweather (US$300 million) and Manny Pacquiano (US$160 million) topped the list. Singer Katy Perry nabbed third place with US$135 million. Perry was followed by British boy band One Direction with US$130 million and TV and radio host Howard Stern at US$95 million. ????Forbes compiles its annual list of the most powerful celebrities from the worlds of sports, television, music and books by estimating pre-tax earnings from June 1, 2014 to June 1, 2015. Management, agent and attorney fees were not deducted. ????(SD-Agencies) | 