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At the age of 16, while he was studying Drama and Photography in Hwa Gang, Lin was discovered during a performance in school. During this time, he was the star of the campus. At first, he declined his first manager’s offer to enter the entertainment industry but later took up the offer. In 1992, at the tender age of 17, he became a superstar overnight at the release of his debut album, "Not Every Love Song has Fond Memories" (不是每個戀曲都有美好回憶). His sweeping fame across Asia and even the United States gained him the nickname "Little Whirlwind". He was also known as one of the "Little Four Heavenly Kings" in Taiwan. Lin became the youngest singer ever to hold a concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum, being only 18 years old and the first singer to hold a concert within the Suntec City Fountain of Wealth, Singapore, in 1999. He went on to release 13 albums, including special editions and compilations, and has since filmed many movies and series, as well as endorsed many products. Throughout his singing career, he also received many awards for his hit songs and albums.
Lin enjoyed great popularity until 1994, when he had to serve compulsory military service. Despite knowing it would affect his career tremendously, he did not seek special treatment from the government. In October that year, he entered the military like any other ordinary male of his age. Despite his fame, Lin did not have an easy life in the military. In a 2005 talk show, Jimmy revealed that in addition to the arduous training, he was bullied by seniors, and was expected to perform better than other soldiers. Although he did not expect star treatment, Jimmy was shocked to be treated badly for being a celebrity. In spite of all these, Lin performed well as a soldier, and received awards for excellent performance. He served primarily in the entertainment section of the military. After 2 years in the military, he returned to acting and singing career in 1996.
Lin's career as an actor and singer was momentarily postponed by his compulsory military service and upon his return, he was overshadowed by many newcomers. Despite the difficulties he faced in re-entering showbiz, he worked hard and even set up his own company, Jimmy Creative, which produced his recent 5 albums under the music label "Forward". The most noteworthy album was "Scarecrow" (稻草人)(1999), which contained a song of the same title.
In 1997, Lin decided to realize his dream of car racing. In one of the races that year, he encountered a crash which nearly cost him his life. Seconds after limping out of the wreck, the car exploded. The only reminder of the accident now is a few metal plates in the foot that was crushed. Despite the accident, Lin did not give up on racing, and constantly strove to better himself. With regard to this, he often says, "When I race, I am not racing against others, but against myself." Today, Lin is one of the top 10 racers in Mainland China. In 2005, he signed a contract with Hong He, the top team in China, as a racer. He is currently training under top racing coach Ma Jun Kun. Lin hopes to become a Formula One racer someday, and become a full-time professional racer. On October 23, 2005, Lin hosted the first "Jimmy Cup", a racing event where mainly male celebrities race. The event's aim was to increase the awareness of traffic safety to the masses and to promote the love of car racing.
While being a racer, Lin has not neglected his showbiz career. Lin concentrated on filming after his last album "Going for a Walk" in 2000. The grandest production in recent years was "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" (天龙八部), where he took the role of the Dali crown-prince Duan Yu.
Despite having not released an album since 2006, which his last album was titled "挡不住我", Lin continues to sing theme songs for television series and films, and give regular live performances for various events including mini concerts, fund-raising events, festivals and even state events. He was one of the celebrity performers at the Third "Beijing 2008" Olympic Cultural Festival (2005), where the theme motto "One World, One Dream" was officially announced.
On Oct 17, 2008 he held his first concert in Shanghai, China after 14 years. It was a stunning success in front of 25,000 screaming fans who sang Happy Birthday to celebrate his 34th birthday.
In addition to his entertainment and racing career, Lin is also a very successful businessman. He set up a business on the internet with his brother, naming his own brand "JR" (Jimmy Racing). The online venture sells goods ranging from sunglasses to bikinis. It has since grown in scale from operating solely on auction sites to selling his goods on shopping sites. In 2005 he founded the PingTzuo International Racing Sports Advisor Company in Zhuhai, China with his best friend Chen Wei Liang. Lin is also on the PingTzuo racing team. In 2006 he opened a restaurant, The Dream Family Cafe in the Jing Hua Cheng shopping mall in Taipei, Taiwan. In 2006 he also opened Roadstar, a car dealership in Taipei that sells highend sports cars.
Lin also contributed to the society by becoming an ambassador for many youth and government campaigns in Taiwan and other places. On October 17, 2003, Jimmy was presented with the "International Outstanding Youth Award" by the mayor of San Francisco. He was the first Chinese in history to receive this award. The award was mainly to commend him for starting a series of fund-raisers for schools, for being an anti-drug ambassador, and for participation in public community events.
This was the first time Jimmy and Ruby Lin attended a variety show after their rumored break-up. When asked the reason for breaking up, both parties admitted that it was due to the distance and fading of feeling that cause the breakup. After the breakup, it was Ruby who called Jimmy, saving their friendship. Ruby admitted magnanimously that they did not break up because of a big quarrel, so it was okay that she initiated. Compared to her nonchalant attitude, Jimmy looked uneasy.
Jimmy attended "Kang Yong Dang Jia" filming. When asked how they've met, Ruby laughed, " My first movie was with Jimmy and Takeshi Kaneshiro. After filming, we became friends." The host asked Ruby immediately, who was more handsome then? As expected, she admitted that Jimmy was more handsome as Takaeshi had not slim down then and did not have the 'aura' he has now.
Jimmy and Ruby's relationship lasted for 2–3 years, and Ruby is the only girlfriend he has ever taken home to see his dad.
Jimmy and Ruby's secret relationship was still a mystery to the media now. Yesterday, Jimmy clarified that in the past, He had to film in China frequently, leading to the distance between both of them. But there's another version of the breakup: It was rumored that the breakup is due to Ruby filming in Huan Zhu Ge Ge (Princess Returning Pearl), and there was a rumour that Alec Su was actively pursuing Ruby. This let Jimmy to fax a copy of then News Articles to Ruby who was filming HZGG at the time. Though she denied any spark between herself and Alec, Jimmy called for a breakup. Whilst Alec and Jimmy later collaborated in a series together 'The Legendary Siblings' it was reported that the two did not get along.
Although they were good friends after breaking up, interestingly enough, Jimmy has never given Ruby his album as a present. Using this chance, Jimmy finally gave her his new album personally. And Ruby made use of this chance saying, "But I'm more interested in the watch you're wearing leh" Immediately Jimmy took off his watch and even help her put it on. One of the guest even teased," These 2 people seems to be engross in their own world" After that, Ruby said, "Treat this present as your gift for me this year." As Jimmy will always give her a birthday presently for her birthday every year. Ruby smiled, " His presents are mostly female stuff like handbags.
On October 15, 2009, Jimmy announced at his 35th Birthday Bash that he was officially engaged to model, Kelly Chen. They got engaged in 2008 and had dated for 5 years already. He also announced at his Birthday Bash the birth of his new baby son born on September 15, 2009. October 15th was his baby boy's one month birthday.
A Legend of Shaolin Temple 2 as Li Shi Min (Henan TV, 2009)
My Lucky Star as Zhong Tian Qi (TTV/SETTV, 2007)
Liao Zhai Zhi Yi Xiao Cui as Wang Yuan Feng (2004)
Shu Jian Qing Xia Liu San Bian as Liu San Bian (2004)
Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils / Tian Long Ba Bu as Duan Yu (CCTV, 2003)
Secretly Loving You (2002, guest appearance in episodes 27, 28 and 29)
The Monkey King as Na Ja (TVB, 2002)
The Legendary Siblings 2 as Jiang Fei Yu and Xiao Yu Er (2002)
Feng Chen Wu Die as Lu Meng Shan (2001)
Lotus Lantern as Chen Xiang (2000)
Master Swordsman Lu Xiao Feng as Lu Xiao Feng (2000)
The Legendary Siblings as Xiao Yu Er (1999)
Dui Wang, My Lucky Star (2007)
Xin Yu Lin Ling (新雨霖铃), Shu Jian Qing Xia Liu San Bian ending theme song (2004)
Xin Wang Hai Chao (新望海潮), with Su Dan, Shu Jian Qing Xia Liu San Bian opening theme song (2004)
You Ni De Shi Jie (有你的世界) A World with You, The Legendary Siblings 2 (2002)
Bu Xi De Deng (不熄的燈) Inextinguishable Light, Lotus Lantern (2000)
Kuai Le Zhi Shang (快乐至上), The Legendary Siblings (1999)
Brother (2005)
Wolf as Assassin (2004)
I Love How You Love Me (2004)
Boxing Hero / Long Hu Ying Xiong as Dragon (2003)
My Heart Will Go On as Bao Yi (2001)
Red Word as Ah Hu (1999)
Chivalrous Legend as Liao Tian Ding (1998)
Heavenly Legend as The Monkey King / Sun Wu Kong (1998)
Forever Friends as Wizard (1995)
School Days as Xu Zhi Hao / Xiao Zhi (19950
Grandpa's Love as Jiang Xing Jian (1994)
No Sir 3 as Lin Xiao Ying (1994)
Shaolin Popeye as Pi Shi Ting / "Spinach" (1993)
Vampire Family as David Jen (1993)
Boys are Easy as Ching Siu Pei / Xiao Bei (1993)
End of the Road as Ah Ding (1993)
Flying Dagger as Han Lin / Little Dagger (1992)
Butterfly and Sword as Prince Cha (1992)
To Miss with Love as Lin Chi Yin (1992)
My Lucky Star (2007)
Jimmy F1ght (2006)
Best of Jimmy Lin (2004)
Go for a walk (2000)
Scarecrow (1999)
Before dawn breaks (1998)
I am still myself (1997)
Men are easily deceived (1997)
Expect (1996)
Dream is ahead ā (1995)
Saying goodbye to yesterday (1994)
Goodbye my friend (1994)
Fiery Heart (1994)
Thinking of You (1993)
Why am i always hurt (1992)
Summer Of '92 (1992)
Not every love song has fond memories (1992)
2006 Top Ten Golden Song "Show Me Your License" and The Most Versatile Entertainer from The 4th Chinese Music Awards 2006 @ Fuzhou
2003 International Outstanding Youth Award
1999 Most Talented Male Artiste
1996 Top Ten Idols Award
1994 Best Album Award
1993 Metro Radio Top Ten Handsome People Award
1993 FM Select Bronze Award
1993 HK Top Ten Children Gold Song "Wild Chrysanthemum"
1993 HK Hottest Mandarin Singer Gold Award
1993 HK Most Popular New Artiste Gold Solid Award
1993 HK Top Ten Chinese Songs With The Brightest Future New Artiste Award
1993 HK-CR Gold Award
1993 HK Spreading Mandarin Award
1993 HK Jade Solid Gold First Place Song
1992 Taiwan Top Ten Idols Award
1992 Taiwanese Superstar New Artist Award
1992 Taiwan's Most Brightess Future New Artiste Award
1992 HK Hottest Mandarin Award
1997
Sep Super Car Challenge Ferrari 348, 3rd place
1998
Feb 555 Taiwan Rally Race
Mar Super Car Challenge Cup
Aug Impreza Challenge Cup
Nov WRC Australia Hyundai Rally Car, got FIA International Class A
1999
became spokeman for GT Radial tire company
Feb went to Japan to study racing under a famous Japanese racer
June Super Car Challenge BMW, M3 3rd place
Aug Super Car BMW, M3 3rd place
2000
May Super Car Challenge, BMW used new M3 race car, 2nd place, broke Taiwan LungTam BMW M3 single lap record
July Super Car Challenge, BMW M3, 2nd place, broke Taiwan TamLung BMW M3 single lap record
Aug 7 formed ESSO Jimmy Racing Team and Racing Company
Aug ZhuHai International Speedway Renault Spider Challenge, 4th and 6th round, Group B, 1st place
Dec Super Car Challenge, broke his own single lap record in Taiwan LungTam Super Car
Dec Taiwan Oil year end Challenge, 4th overall, again broke Taiwan LungTam single lap record, 102.938 seconds.
2001
Mar Impreza race, group A, first round, 3rd place
Apr Super Car, 1st round, used M3 race car, 1st place
Jun Super Car, 2nd round, used M3 race car, 1st place
Aug China Formula International Race, 1st place
Aug Super Car, 3rd round, used M3 race car, 1st place
Sep China Formula International Race, 1st place
Oct Super Car, 4th round, used M3 race car, 1st place. Became Year champion for winning all 4 rounds. He still holds this record.
Oct China Formula International Race, 1st place
2002
Mar Shanghai Rally Race
2003
Contracted to race for Radial Tire Racing Team for 2 years.
Mar Shanghai Rally Race
Jun Malaysia Formula Race
Jul ChangChun Rally Race, 8th place
Aug Beijing Rally Race
Oct Beijing Renault Formula Race
Nov Macau Renault Formula Race, 17th place out of 25
2004
Mar Shanghai Rally Race, 9th place
May Beijing Rally Race, dropped out at 10th place
Jun Shanghai Renault Formula Race, dropped out after collision at 7th place
Jun 22 Shanghai Renault Formula Race, 7th place out of 30
Sep Shanghai Renault Formula Race, 11th place out of 30
2005
Contracted to race for Honghe Rally Team, the largest racing team in China, for the reported sum of TW$10 mil
Mar Shanghai Rally Race, 7th place
May ZhuHai Renault Formula Race, 5th place out of 31
Sep LungYau Rally Race, 5th place
ranked 8th overall in China Rally Championship 2005
2006
3/22/06 Formed Jimmy Racing Team and became his own boss. He signed British racer, Alister McRae, who ranked 3rd in 2003 and 26th in 2006 in the world. The other 2 racers in his team are Jimmy himself and the 7th ranked Chinese racer. Jimmy ranked 8th in China in 2005. McRae was paid US$50,000 per race, 5 races a year.
3/26/2006 Jimmy Racing Team won both team 1st place and racer 1st place in Shanghai Rally Race.
11/27/2006 Jimmy Racing Team won Overall 3rd place in 2006 China Rally Championship.
2007
6/15/07 to 6/17/07 Raced for Mitsubishi Lancer Wan Yu Rally Team in the China Rally Championship in Beijing. His team won the race and Mitsubishi won the Sponsor's Cup. Jimmy was placed 10th overall among 71 international and Chinese racers. He placed 5th among Chinese racers.
11/12/07 The Mitsubishi Lancer Rally Team won the grand championship of the 2007 China Rally Championship. Jimmy only participated in the Beijing Rally Race in June. He isn't ranked this yr because he missed most of the races due to filming and showbiz conflicts but did contribute points to the team for completing the race in Beijing.
2008
3/15/08 to 3/16/08 Drove a Radical SR3 at the Frestech Pan Delta Super Racing Festival - Spring Race at ZhuHai International Circuit.
Round 1: 1st place
Round 2: 2nd place
6/21/08 to 6/22/08 Tian Si Light Weight Sports Car Challenge Race - Summer Race at ZhuHai International Circuit. Drove a Radical SR3 and achieved double win.
Round 1: 1st place, Time 1:44.978
Round 2: 1st place, Time 17:41.700
On Oct 26, 2008 he was formally inducted into the China F1 TianRong Powerboat Racing team in ShenZhen, China. He will train in 2009 in order to get his F1 racing license before he can race for the team.
2009
On Mar 1, 2009 he signed with the Guangxi Speedone Rally Racing Team and will race in 3 rally races in 2009. His 1M yuan Mitsubishi EVO-10 race car was unveiled at the signing ceremony.
Jun 13-14, 2009 China Rally Championship at Naning, Nanking. 12th place in Group N4 (International) out of 87 international racers, 7th place out of all Chinese racers. Earned 1 point for Speedone.
Jul 9-10, 2009 China Rally Championship at Shanghai. 6th place out of all Chinese racers in group N4 (International). Won 6th place cup for Speedone, its first cup.
Aug 28-30, 2009 China Rally Championship at Fogang, Guangzhou. Withdrew from the race after his EVO-9 race car had mechanical problems during the 1st day of the race.
Wikipedia, DramaWiki