Michelle Yeoh has had extraordinary collaborations with pioneering artists such as Jackie Chan and Ang Lee, making her one of the most well-known symbols of international cinema. Yeoh has been quietly paving her way into Hollywood, contributing to her status as one of the essential action icons of her time. She brought her fame from Asian films to the global stage, where she starred in high-profile movies like the James Bond film ‘Tomorrow Never Dies.’
Yeoh was born in Ipoh, the capital of the Malaysian state of Perak, on August 6, 1962. The 60-year old artist, whose birth name is Yeoh Choo Kheng, spoke English and Malay as a child and then picked up Cantonese in her twenties. She also learned some Mandarin in her thirties. She eventually won her first Academy Award for acting, but says her true passion has always been in dancing. After years of dance classes, she relocated to the UK as an adolescent and registered at London’s Royal Academy of Dance. Her dancing skills came in handy later in life when she starred in martial arts films like ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ where she had to learn some kung fu moves for the big screen.
Michelle as Evelyn Wang Wins Oscar in 2023
Michelle Yeoh captured the hearts of Academy judges with her depiction of a middle-class Asian-American adjusting to life in the United States and the complexities of the multiverses of her life in “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.” At the 95th Academy Awards, held on March 13 at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, she won the most prestigious award as Best Actress – a first for an Asian actor.
Evelyn Wang (Yeoh), the main character of ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ is a laundromat owner working hard to pay her taxes when she is suddenly pulled into parallel worlds. The science fiction movie has received excellent feedback from critics and audiences alike, and was awarded the Best Picture Oscar.
Starring alongside Pierce Brosnan in ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ in 1997, Yeoh made her Hollywood breakthrough after starting in Hong Kong action films in the 1990s.
Since then, she’s become a box office draw in various film genres, cementing her status as a versatile artist.
The 2000 martial arts picture ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ by Ang Lee, the 2005 period drama ‘Memoirs of a Geisha,’ and the 2018 romance comedy ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ are some of her most well-known works.
What are Michelle Yeoh’s Recent Films?
Yeoh entered beauty pageants after completing her college degree but a spinal injury stopped her from continuing a career in dance. Instead, she went on to became Miss Malaysia World. Her international beauty contest triumph landed her an acting part in an ad opposite Jackie Chan.
She’s been in many movies over the years, and has proven time and again how great a performer she is.
Let’s take a look at Yeoh’s five most recent films!
Last Christmas (2019)
‘Last Christmas’ (2019) is a romantic comedy in which Yeoh plays the owner of a Christmas store who takes a mentally ill young woman under her wing. Yeoh gives an endearing performance that is equal parts moving and funny, as her character offers comfort and guidance to the main character going through a challenging time in her life.
Master Z: Ip Man Legacy (2018)
Yeoh starred as a former martial arts expert who owns a pub in Hong Kong. She becomes involved in a gang war and must use her training to aid the film’s protagonist, a former Wing Chun teacher, in his fight against the bad guys. In this high-octane picture, Yeoh shows off her impressive martial arts skills.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
The rom-com ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ (2018) was the first Hollywood picture in 25 years to feature an all-Asian ensemble. Yeoh portrays the romantic lead’s strict and conventional mother who is against his relationship with his girlfriend, a woman from a lower socioeconomic class and brought up in the United States. Yeoh’s portrayal is complex and compelling; she conveys the character’s strength and fragility with equal intensity.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Yeoh became part of the Marvel Universe with the 2017 Marvel superhero picture ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,’ starring Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana. Yeoh portrays Aleta Ogord, the Ravagers’ commander. Yeoh gives her character complexity and emotional impact, which is especially important given the nature of her connection with the film’s lead. She provides a portrayal equal parts fiery and sympathetic, and she more than holds her own among the other excellent performers.
Mechanic: Resurrection (2016)
Yeoh portrays Mei, the male lead character’s companion and instructor in the action picture. Mei, an expert in martial arts and computer hacking, is essential to the success of the hero’s quest. Yeoh gives a powerful and emotional portrayal that elevates the picture significantly.
Yeoh has shown she can convincingly occupy various parts, from sitcoms to action flicks. She is one of the most versatile and adored actresses working today thanks to her ability to amuse while stimulating conversations about her characters.
What’s Next for Michelle Yeoh?
After getting the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once,’ Michelle Yeoh is sure to get many offers for new and exciting projects. She has proven once again that age shouldn’t matter in Hollywood, and that talent is the greatest currency.
She already has a full schedule of movies and TV programs in the works, from playing cartoon figures to leading roles in the third and fourth Avatar features.
Here’s what we can look forward to from Yeoh.
American Born Chinese (2023)
The action-comedy American Born Chinese, based on Gene Luen Yang’s comic book of the same name, will debut on Disney+ on May 24.
This show follows Jin Wang, a typical high school student who must balance his time between education, friends, and family. Worlds converge as Jin becomes unwittingly involved in a fight between Chinese mythical gods upon meeting a new international pupil on the first day of school.
Yeoh’s co-stars from ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ and fellow Oscar winner, Ke Huy Quan and Stephanie Hsu (in a cameo role), and fellow Malaysian actor Yeo Yann Yann will all star on the film as well.
Avatar 3 (2024) and 4 (2026)
Is a summary of a film series necessary when it boasts two of the three highest-grossing films of all time?
James Cameron has stated in comments that the soon to be introduced Na’vi tribe, known as the Ash People, who live near volcanoes, will be featured in Avatar 3, so fans can expect a explosive continuation.
Yeoh portrays a human biologist named Dr. Karina Mogue, but beyond that, details about her part in Avatar 3 and 4 are still kept under wraps. What we need is a Na’Vi variant of her!
Wicked: Part One (2024) and Part Two (2025)
We’re in for a good one here! You’ve witnessed Yeoh vanquish legions of villains, but have you ever heard her sing?
In the forthcoming two-part film version of the Broadway legend Wicked, Yeoh will play the role of Madame Morrible. It will be her first time performing in a musical, so fans are looking forward to getting another version of Yeoh.
Jeff Goldblum, Ariana Grande, and Cynthia Erivo are among the cast of Wicked, directed by ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Jon M. Chu. The first installment of Wicked will hit theaters in December 2024, and the sequel will arrive the following year.
Michelle Yeoh: Charitable Activities and Causes
Michelle Yeoh is a gifted actress and director, but she is also an active humanitarian and philanthropist. She has consistently donated to and advocated for non-profits that work toward racial and gender equity.
She lived in Malaysia, where she was exposed to poverty and injustice, inspiring her to become an activist and has taken advantage of her position in the entertainment business to promote awareness and action on critical social issues, including children’s well-being, education, and women’s rights.
The actress served as a Goodwill Ambassador and had engagements with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for over a decade. As part of her advocacy, she has visited multiple foreign nations to campaign for issues like environmental responsibility and equitable rights for women. She has also worked to decrease traffic deaths around the globe as a spokeswoman for the Global Road Safety Partnership.
Additionally, she co-founded the Voice of Hope Fund, which gives financial assistance to community groups in Southeast Asia that aim to strengthen women and children. The money goes toward building schools and hospitals and awarding college grants to kids from low-income backgrounds.
She has also backed efforts to safeguard the earth and lessen the effects of climate change as a champion for environmental stewardship. She has been an outspoken advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals and has partnered with the World Wildlife Fund and other groups to advance environmental initiatives.
Through her philanthropic work and activism, Yeoh has shown a deep commitment to improving the world. She has used her celebrity status to bring attention to important issues and inspire others to take action. Her dedication to social justice, equality, and environmental sustainability matches her zeal for her craft as an artist. She serves as an inspiration to people all over the world.