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TAIPEI: Action star Jet Li has revealed that he married his first wife Huang Qiu Yan to change his fortunes, reported Chinese media.
When asked about his two marriages during a recent television appearance to promote his new film "Ocean Heaven", Li said he became very sick at one point in his life and married Huang, a classmate two years his senior, on his godmother's advice.
His godmother claimed that Huang would change Li's destiny and improve his chances of becoming a star.
"I married [Huang] to 'chong xi' (the traditional practice of chasing away misfortune with a happy occasion)," admitted Li.
The "Fearless" star went on to point out that they eventually separated in 1990 after a two-year marriage because there was not enough mutual love in the relationship – Huang loved him deeply but Li only loved her about "20 per cent".
Li, who is currently married to former beauty queen Nina Li Chi, said he felt a sense of obligation toward his ex-wife, but never felt guilty for leaving her.
The 47-year-old actor pointed out that he had done everything he could to advance her career and introduced her to the directors of the films he worked on, in hopes of helping her clinch a role, which she did.
"This way, when I broke up with her, I would not feel guilty as she was also successful," said Li, adding that he and Huang are still friends today.
His only regret was that he could not spend more time with the two daughters he had with Huang.
In contrast, Li, founder of the charity The One Foundation, said he loved his present wife very much.
"I am very certain I am willing to die for her, to give up everything for her," said Li, adding that it was her support that enabled him to go into charity work full time.
The couple married in 1999 and they have two daughters.
- CNA/ha
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