Profile | Taiwan singer, actor Jimmy Lin praised for resilience post-facial surgery after car crash
Accident in 2022 caused severe facial and shoulder fractures, requiring several reconstructive surgeries, a challenging recovery
Taiwanese actor and singer Jimmy Lin Chih-ying, affectionately dubbed the “ageless legend”, recently “reunited” with Jay Chou at the latter’s concert, rekindling fond memories of his iconic roles in numerous beloved TV dramas and his remarkable recovery from a serious car accident in 2022.
At 50, Lin is celebrated for his diverse talents as a singer, actor, and racing car driver. However, he has candidly described his entry into the entertainment industry as “purely accidental”.
Lin made his debut as a singer with his first album in 1992 at the tender age of 17. The hit track “The Rainy Season”, released when he was just 17, became an instant classic, catapulting him to stardom.
At 18, he made history by becoming the youngest artist ever to hold a concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum. Critics affectionately labelled him the “Asian Whirlwind” due to the immense crowds he drew.
Lin later ventured into acting, earning acclaim for his performances in many iconic TV dramas, including The Legendary Siblings, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, and My Lucky Star.
In an interview with Global Times last year, Lin revealed that The Legendary Siblings holds profound significance in his career, having inspired him during a challenging period marked by declining album sales.
“This drama is particularly meaningful to me. At that time, I was desperate for change; I wanted to wear suits, sing mature love songs, and demonstrate to everyone that I had matured. Then I realised that my personality closely resembled Xiaoyuer in The Legendary Siblings – fearless, with a spirit of innocence and joy, eager to explore life freely. Through this drama, I rediscovered myself,” he stated.
At 23, Lin acquired his first Ferrari, marking the inception of his professional racing career. He debuted on the racing circuit in 1997, achieving third place in his first professional race and later claiming multiple championships.
