Martial Arts Superstar Jet Li Looks Almost Unrecognisable In This Recent Photo
The 55-year-old has been battling hyperthyroidism since 2010.
By Katrina Khairul Azman — 21 May 2018, 05:31 PM
On Saturday, 19 May, a recent photo of Chinese actor and martial artist Jet Li Lianjie looking almost unrecognisable was widely circulated online
The photo published on South China Morning Post shows the actor looking frail and needing assistance during a recent visit to a Tibetan temple.
Jet Li (left) with his Expendable 2 co-stars Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, and Terry Crews in 2012.
Image via Digital TrendsLi made his mark in the Chinese acting scene in classics such as 'Once Upon A Time In China' and 'Fist of Legend.'
He has since made a name for himself in Hollywood through his roles in action films such as 'Lethal Weapon 4' and 'Expendables 2.'
Last year, Li revealed that he was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid in 2010
Otherwise known as hyperthyroidism, the condition is caused when a thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine and results in a significant acceleration of a person's metabolism and heart rate.
Li had attributed his poor health to decades of demanding film roles, stunts, and on-set injuries
In addition to the overactive thyroid condition, Li revealed that he was also suffering from leg and spinal problems that have made him unable to stand for long periods of time.
The martial artist also said that in 2013, he was warned by his doctors that he "would end up in a wheelchair" if he continued to physically exert himself in action films.
Jet Li's fans took to social media to express their shock at his physical appearance and concern for his well-being
However, Jet Li's fans will still be able to see him on the big screen in the near future
Despite his physical restraints, Li is set to star as Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the live action Mulan movie to be released in 2020, according to South China Morning Post.