Jackie Chan Will Host Tomorrow's Cultural Rhythms

Actor Jackie Chan will be honored as Artist of the Year at tomorrow's 16th annual Cultural Rhythms performance festival, the Harvard Foundation announced yesterday.

S. Allen Counter, director of the Harvard Foundation, said in a press release that he was "delighted" with the choice of Jackie Chan.

"His superb acting, his devotion to humanitarian causes and the broad intercultural appeal of his film make him a brilliant choice for this year's honoree," Counter said.

Chan is the first Asian to host Cultural Rhythms in at least seven years. Past hosts have included Academy Award-winning actor Matt Damon, Class of 1992, Will Smith and Halle Berry, who were honored in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

Ada J. Maxwell '02, co-stage manager for Cultural Rhythms, said Chan's popularity with students makes him a good choice for the show.

"For a couple of years, people have been regularly requesting Jackie Chan, but because of conflicts of interest he just hasn't been able to come," Maxwell said.

Kathryn A. Gin '04, who will perform with the Asian-American Dance Troupe as part of tomorrow's program, said she was excited about seeing Chan host the show.

"I love Jackie Chan," Gin said, citing her long-time admiration of his work. "I've watched the movies he produced when he was really young. They're just so funny."

Chan, known for his comedic and martial-arts skills, has starred in films like Rumble in the Bronx and Rush Hour and has also directed several films.

He has been honored several times by the Hong Kong film industry and has received the MTV Movie Awards Lifetime Achievement Honor.

Chan is also active in philanthropic work and has provided financial aid to orphans in Asia and scholarships for continued education.

Kenneth N. Ebie '01, co-chair of the Foundation's student advisory committee, said he thought Chan was a choice that reflected the show's desire to feature diveristy.

"It's about time that someone like Jackie Chan, who represents a culture that we haven't recognized in the past few years, is the host," Ebie said.

Last year some said Damon's presence seemed contradictory to the show's goal, which was to celebrate diversity.

Last night's announcement also dispels rumors that musician and actress Jennifer Lopez would host the show.

Ebie said while some students might be disappointed by Lopez's absence, Chan's performance would make the show a success.

"He's energetic, he's funny...I think he'll make everybody happy," Ebie said.

Ebie also said he hoped that Chan would perform his trademark stunts during the show.

Chan will be honored in Sanders Theatre at 3 p.m. tomorrow to an already sold out show.

A second, free show will take place in Lowell Lecture Hall at 6 p.m., hosted by four students.