Michelle Yeoh, the award-winning Malaysian-born Chinese actress and producer, has gained worldwide recognition for her outstanding performances in English and Chinese-language films.
With her recent Best Actress win at the 2023 Oscars for her remarkable role in “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” Yeoh has cemented her status as one of the most talented and versatile actresses of her generation.
Born on August 6, 1962, in Ipoh, Malaysia, Yeoh grew up in a multilingual household and received her education at a convent school. She later pursued her passion for dance at the Royal Academy of Dance in London, specializing in ballet.
First foray
Yeoh’s first foray into acting was as a television host in Hong Kong. She quickly transitioned to film and made her acting debut in 1984 in the martial arts film “The Owl vs Bombo”. She went on to become a prominent action star in Hong Kong, starring in popular films such as “Police Story 3: Super Cop” (1992) and “Wing Chun” (1994).
Yeoh gained wide international recognition for her role in the 1997 James Bond film “Tomorrow Never Dies” as the Bond girl Wai Lin. She also starred in the critically acclaimed films “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000) and “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2005). Her performances in these films earned her critical acclaim and a number of awards, including a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Yeoh has continued to work in both English and Chinese-language films, and has expanded her career to include producing and philanthropy work. She produced and starred in the martial arts film “Reign of Assassins” (2010), which was well-received by audiences and critics alike. She also served as a producer on the 2018 blockbuster hit “Crazy Rich Asians”.
In addition to her work in film, Yeoh has been a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador since 2016, working to promote gender equality and sustainable development. She was appointed as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2011 and was awarded the French Legion of Honour in 2012 for her contributions to the arts.
Overall, Michelle Yeoh has established herself as one of the most prominent Asian actresses in the world, with a successful career spanning decades and a dedication to promoting social causes and gender equality.