Michelle Yeoh has been an icon in action movies and martial arts since the 1990s. She’s appeared in some of the most memorable action and martial arts films, including Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Sunshine, and her latest work, Everything Everywhere All At Once. This last endeavor has earned her a Best Actress nomination for the 2023 Oscars ceremony. As we look ahead to this exciting milestone in Michelle Yeoh’s career, let’s take a look at her inspiring journey as an actress and martial artist through some of her most captivating films.
Early Life and Career
Michelle Yeoh was born on August 6, 1962, in Ipoh, Malaysia. She was born to a Chinese family and grew up in a traditional household. Her father was a lawyer and Malaysian Chinese Association politician, while her mother was a housewife. Yeoh was educated at the Convent of Mercy and then went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dance in London.
Yeoh began her career as a beauty queen and won the title of Miss Malaysia in 1983. She then went on to compete in the Miss World pageant and finished in the top twenty. After her success in the pageant, Yeoh began working as an actor in commercials — her first starring alongside Jackie Chan in 1984.
In 1984, Yeoh made her acting debut in the Hong Kong action film The Owl vs Bombo. Although her role was small, she quickly gained attention for her athleticism and grace on screen. Yeoh went on to star in several action films in Hong Kong, including Yes, Madam and Police Story 3: Supercop, which cemented her status as an action star.
International Success
In the late 90s, Yeoh began to transition into more dramatic roles and began appearing in international films. In 1997, she starred in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies as a Chinese spy. Her performance was widely praised, and Yeoh became the first Asian Bond girl in the franchise’s history.
Yeoh continued to appear in international films throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, including films such as The Soong Sisters, Sunshine, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The latter film, directed by Ang Lee, was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $200 million worldwide and winning four Academy Awards. Yeoh‘s performance as a skilled warrior earned her critical acclaim, and she was nominated for several awards, including a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
In recent years, Yeoh has continued to work in both Hollywood and international films. She starred in the hit comedy Crazy Rich Asians in 2018, which was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $238 million worldwide. Yeoh‘s performance as Eleanor Young earned her praise for her portrayal of a controlling and overprotective mother.
Movies Starring Michelle Yeoh
Throughout her career, Michelle Yeoh has appeared in over 50 films. Some of her notable movies include:
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) — Michelle Yeoh movies
Directed by Ang Lee, this martial arts epic tells the story of a legendary sword and the people who seek to possess it. Yeoh stars as Yu Shu Lien, a skilled warrior who must confront her past when she falls in love with a master thief.
Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) — Michelle Yeoh movies
Based on the novel by Arthur Golden, this film follows the story of a young girl who is sold into slavery and becomes a geisha. Yeoh plays Mameha, a veteran geisha who takes the girl under her wing and teaches her the art of entertaining men.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018) — Michelle Yeoh movies
This romantic comedy follows the story of a young woman who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend to attend a wedding. Yeoh plays Eleanor Young, the mother of the groom, who disapproves of her son’s choice of girlfriend.
(Also, be sure to check out our interview with Michelle Yeoh and the rest of the cast!)
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) — Michelle Yeoh movies
Michelle Yeoh‘s performance in the movie Everything Everywhere All at Once is truly remarkable. The Malaysian-born actress, who has been a staple of the film industry for decades, delivers a masterful performance that showcases her versatility and range as an actress. In the movie, Yeoh plays a middle-aged Chinese American immigrant named Evelyn who is tasked with saving the world from an interdimensional threat. Despite her age, Evelyn is a formidable fighter who is not afraid to take on any challenge that comes her way. Yeoh brings a sense of gravitas to the role, imbuing Evelyn with a wisdom and strength that make her an inspiring figure to watch.
