S&S scoops Chan's 'candid' memoir

Simon & Schuster has snapped up Jackie Chan’s “candid” memoir.

Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster US, will publish Never Grow Up by the martial artist and actor, Jennifer Bergstrom, senior v.p. and publisher, announced.  

Executive editor Jeremie Ruby-Strauss acquired US, open market, and audio rights from CAA. S&S UK will simultaneously publish and acquired the rights from Abner Stein on behalf of CAA. Never Grow Up is scheduled for publication in November.

It is described as “a candid memoir from one of the most recognizable, influential, and beloved film stars in the world”. 

The 64 year-old global actor reflects on the his early life including his childhood and years at the China Drama Academy which he was enrolled at the age of six, "his big breaks and setbacks" in Hong Kong and Hollywood, his numerous brushes with death both on-and-off film sets, and his life as a husband and father.

The autobiography also covers a youth in which “he spent accumulating possessions” and as well as his recent role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and being named by Forbes as one of the top 10 most charitable celebrities.

Iain MacGregor, publishing director for non-fiction at S&S UK, said: “I have been a huge fan of Jackie Chan’s movies since the 1980s as having been turned on to Kung Fu by the late, great Bruce Lee, I wanted more. Simon & Schuster UK are thrilled to be publishing his memoirs.”  

“I hope those who read my stories can come to learn that Jackie Chan is, after all, an ordinary man who had the courage and determination to do extraordinary things,” said Chan.

“Jackie Chan is a delightful author and eternally youthful soul—we pledge to Never Grow Up right alongside him.” said Ruby-Strauss.