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Jackie Chan credits country music for helping him learn how to speak English.
On the Tuesday, June 3, episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show. Chan, 71, revealed that when he first moved to the U.S. from Hong Kong, he struggled to understand directors on movie sets and often relied on his dialogue coach to translate.
The actor said he gradually learned to speak English thanks to listening to country music. “I learn English in country songs, because country songs [are] slow,” Chan told Clarkson.
He then sang the famous chorus of Willie Nelson’s classic “Always on My Mind,” to which the audience applauded. Chan proudly took a bow while leaving Clarkson in awe.
“I’m sorry, I just got serenaded by Jackie Chan, that’s how I’m going to take this day away,” she said.
“Always on My Mind” was written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher and Mark James. Gwen McCrae and Brenda Lee made the first recordings of the song in early 1972, with Elvis Presley releasing his own take on the song later that year. Nelson later recorded and released the haunting ballad in 1982 as a part of his album of the same name.
The track saw a rebirth when Presley’s version was featured on the soundtrack and as a plot point in Practical Magic in 1998.
Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal
Chan appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show opposite his Karate Kid: Legends costars Ralph Macchio and Ben Wang. Macchio, 63, revealed that he achieved his own milestone related to his character’s journey in the popular film franchise.
Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal
“It took me 41 years, but I did receive my black belt in karate,” the actor confirmed.
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The film focuses on a young kung fu prodigy as he works to reconcile his past with his potential after moving to New York City. Daniel LaRusso (Macchio) and Mr. Han (Chan) step in to guide him. The latest film in the Karate Kid franchise is now in theaters.
