Jackie Chan got his big break on the screne when Bruce Lee passed away and there were movie parts that he could play because he is a highly acclaimed martial artists. Some say it was one of his earlier movies that got him the break but those who really know the inside story feel that by there being a spot left open by the unfortunate passing, Jackie Chan was able to step in in his stead.
Jackie Chan was in some movies that were good early in his career and some that were not so good. As far as his early movies, Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, was the one that gained him popularity in Hong Kong. However, his biggest break on the big screen and in America was after Lee passed and he stepped in to fill his shoes in the best way that he knew. He actually had a pretty tough road leading to Hollywood but eventually, with luck and lots of hard work and talent too, he aced it. That is what Jackie Chan is all about...making things happen despite the odds.