Jackie Chan, China's cultural ambassador to global audience

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Action star Jackie Chan is known for his high kicks and fun acting, but on Friday night, the receiver of an Honorary Oscar showed off his singing skills while performing an encore of a patriotic song titled “My Nation” on the stage of the Spring Festival Gala 2017 in Beijing.

Jackie Chan on stage of China's Spring Festival Gala in Beijing on January 27, 2017. /CFP Photo

The 62-year-old has taken upon him the promotion of the Chinese culture in Hollywood through decades of hard work and numerous Hollywood blockbusters.

Chan was one of four artists to be fêted by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences with a Lifetime Achievement Award in November 2016.

“I never thought I would get an Oscar. It’s the Oscar that came to me,” Chan said in an exclusive interview with CGTN, during which he shared his early career experience.

He noted that the key to success is to never let go of any dream.

“I’m not for the award, I am only for the audience. I do things for myself, not for other people. Fifty-six years later, people know what I have done, I stay (true to) what I’m doing,” Chan stressed while talking about his lifelong devotion to his career.

“I want Jackie Chan movies (to be known by) every culture, every human being,” he said commenting about his acting style that combines action with universal humor. He noted that he initially made films for people in Hong Kong, where he was born, and later gradually enlarged his target audience to Asia, and now the whole world.

Jackie Chan arrives in Mumbai to promote his upcoming film, 'Kung Fu Yoga' on January 23, 2017. /CFP Photo

Chan also touched upon his experience with martial arts. As a young boy, his father would wake him up early in the morning and teach him Kung Fu to help him build patience, strength and courage – attributes that helped Chan survive the movie industry.

Chan introduced Kung Fu to the outside world and brought humor to martial arts movies.

His early big hits in the 1970s include “Snake in Eagle’s Shadow”, “Drunken Master,” and “Fearless Hyena.” But it was “Rumble in the Bronx” in 1995 that secured him a place in the hearts of American audience.

His achievement was followed by such blockbusters as “Rush Hour” and “Shanghai Noon” series, which put Chan on the Hollywood A List.

Jackie Chan (R) and Chris Tucker in the movie Rush Hour 3. /CFP Photo

Chan, who has been the poster child of Chinese culture overseas, expressed the belief that through unity, Chinese actors and directors can deliver the essence of China to the world.