Michelle Yeoh is a name that echoes in the world of international cinema, leaving a mark that is both iconic and inspiring. She’s been dazzling audiences with her performances in the East and the West, creating a career that exemplifies versatility and dedication.
Wiki
Born on August 6, 1962, as Yeoh Choo-Kheng in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, Michelle Yeoh is a multi-faceted personality known for her talents as an actress and producer. She is of Chinese descent and speaks English, Cantonese, and Malay fluently, with some proficiency in Mandarin and French. Her early years were spent honing her skills in ballet, which she studied in the United Kingdom at the Royal Academy of Dance.
Yeoh’s career took a leap when she won the Miss Malaysia pageant in 1983 and represented Malaysia at the Queen of the Pacific 1983 held in Australia, where she was crowned the winner. The same year, she also represented Malaysia in Miss World 1983 in London. Though she did not win the title, this exposure opened doors for her into the world of showbiz.
Career
After a successful reign in the world of pageantry, Yeoh ventured into acting with a commercial alongside Jackie Chan which led to her first film contract with D&B Films. She starred in her first film, “Yes, Madam” in 1985, which was a critical and commercial success, making her a star in the Hong Kong film industry.
Known for performing her own stunts, she rose to fame with films such as “Police Story 3: Super Cop” (1992) and “Holy Weapon” (1993). Her remarkable performances and the physicality she brought to her roles earned her the title of an action heroine in Hong Kong cinema.
Yeoh reached international stardom with the 1997 James Bond film “Tomorrow Never Dies”, where she portrayed the character of Wai Lin. She was one of the first Asian actresses to play a leading role in a Bond movie, thus breaking new grounds.
In the new millennium, Yeoh’s career took another height with her role in the critically acclaimed film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000), directed by Ang Lee. Her performance as Yu Shu Lien garnered her a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress.
Yeoh continued to impress with her performances in films like “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2005), “Sunshine” (2007), “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” (2008), and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” (2017). She also featured in the hit television series “Star Trek: Discovery” (2017-2019), where she played the roles of Philippa Georgiou.
In recent years, Yeoh featured in the film “American Born Chinese”, continuing her streak of versatile performances.
Age
As of June 5, 2023, Michelle Yeoh is 60 years old. She continues to defy her age with her relentless energy and dedication to her craft.
Relationship
Yeoh was engaged to Hong Kong entrepreneur and stuntman Dickson Poon in the 1980s. Following her engagement, she briefly retired from acting. However, the couple parted ways, and she made her return to cinema.
In 2004, Yeoh got engaged to Jean Todt, a motor sport executive from France. They maintain a low-profile relationship, with Yeoh often stating that Todt’s support and understanding have played a crucial role in her successful career.
Net Worth
Michelle Yeoh’s net worth is a testament to her illustrious career in the film industry. Her net worth was estimated to be around $40 million. This is amassed from her earnings as an actress in both the Eastern and Western film industries, as a producer, and from brand endorsements.
FAQ
Q: What languages does Michelle Yeoh speak? A: Yeoh is multilingual and is fluent in English, Cantonese, and Malay. She also has some proficiency in Mandarin and French.
Q: What was Yeoh’s breakthrough role in Hollywood? A: Her breakthrough role in Hollywood was as Wai Lin in the 1997 James Bond film “Tomorrow Never Dies”.
Q: Does Yeoh perform her own stunts? A: Yes, Yeoh is known for performing her own stunts, earning her the title of an action heroine in Hong Kong cinema.
Q: Who is Yeoh engaged to? A: Yeoh is engaged to Jean Todt, a motor sport executive from France.
Michelle Yeoh’s Journey in Cinema
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1983 | Crowned Miss Malaysia and represented Malaysia in Miss World |
| 1985 | Made film debut with “Yes, Madam” |
| 1992 | Starred in “Police Story 3: Super Cop” |
| 1997 | Reached international stardom with “Tomorrow Never Dies” |
| 2000 | Received BAFTA nomination for “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” |
| 2005 | Starred in “Memoirs of a Geisha” |
| 2017 | Featured in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and TV series “Star Trek: Discovery” |
| 2023 | Featured in “American Born Chinese” |