China-born action superstar Jet Li has opened up about his battle with hyperthyroidism.
In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal to promote his new book, Beyond Life And Death: The Way Of True Freedom, the 63-year-old reflected on how the illness affected him more severely than past injuries.
"When I broke my leg or arm, I could still continue working once I recovered. However, this illness changed my appearance," he said.
Li added that the condition also took a toll on his confidence, admitting he became self-conscious after noticing his bulging eyes when looking in the mirror.
"I wanted to complete my acting work but was worried that no one would want to look at me anymore," the martial artist said.
Realising that complaining wouldn't change his condition, Li decided to focus on his recovery journey instead.
He committed to taking his medication on time and made active efforts to strengthen his mind.
"It was probably the hardest period of my life, but it also turned out to be deeply beneficial for my personal growth," he said.
For the record, Li was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in 2010.
While the condition initially left him looking frail, the Romeo Must Die (2000) star later reassured fans that his illness was manageable with medication.
Over the years, his changing appearance led to constant speculations about his health, including multiple death hoaxes.
During his first public appearance in years in November 2023, Li said he was surprised so many people believed those rumours.
