Michelle Yeoh, born as Yeoh Choo-Kheng on August 6, 1962, in Ipoh, Malaysia, is a globally acclaimed actress known for her roles in both Eastern and Western cinema. Yeoh's early life was marked by her pursuit of ballet, which she started learning at the age of four. She later attended the Royal Academy of Dance in London, where she studied ballet and earned a BA degree in Creative Arts with a minor in Drama.
Despite not having formal martial arts training, Yeoh's ballet background made her exceptionally agile, which proved advantageous when she entered the Hong Kong film industry in the 1980s. She made a significant impact with her film "Yes, Madam" (1985), where her physical prowess and dedication to performing her own stunts earned her recognition.
Yeoh achieved international fame with her role in "Supercop" (1992), alongside Jackie Chan. This was followed by a series of successful action films that solidified her reputation as a leading action star.
In 1997, Yeoh made her Hollywood debut as a Bond girl in "Tomorrow Never Dies", becoming the first Asian actress to achieve this honor. This was followed by more international success with the critically acclaimed "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000), where she demonstrated her martial arts skills and acting prowess.
Yeoh continued to work in both Western and Eastern cinema, with notable roles in "Memoirs of a Geisha" (2005), "Sunshine" (2007), and "The Lady" (2011), where she played the role of Aung San Suu Kyi.
In recent years, Yeoh gained more recognition for her role in the successful film "Crazy Rich Asians" (2018) and the TV series "Star Trek: Discovery". She is also known for her philanthropic work, particularly in areas of road safety and health.
Michelle Yeoh continues to have a thriving career in acting, and remains one of the most respected figures in both Eastern and Western cinema.