Michelle Yeoh's Full Biography

Michelle Yeoh was born on August 6, 1962, in Ipoh, Malaysia. She is a world-famous actress who is known for her ability to play many different roles and for making important contributions to both Asian and international films.

Michelle Yeoh's Early Life And Education

Michelle Yeoh, whose birth name is Yeoh Choo-Kheng, was born into a middle-class family in Malaysia. She received her education in the United Kingdom, studying at the Royal Academy of Dance in London. Yeoh initially aspired to become a ballet dancer and even secured a scholarship to the Royal Academy. However, her life took a different turn when she suffered an injury that ended her ballet dreams.

In 1983, Michelle Yeoh won the title of Miss Malaysia and represented her country in the Miss World pageant. While she didn't win the international competition, her participation opened doors to the entertainment industry. She began her career in the world of television commercials and as a host on a Malaysian television program called Hello Malaysia.

Michelle Yeoh's Career Highlights

The Late 1980s

Michelle Yeoh's breakthrough in the film industry came when she was cast as the female lead in the action film Yes, Madam! (1985). Her exceptional martial arts skills and charisma on screen quickly garnered attention. She continued to star in action films throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, making her a celebrated figure in Hong Kong cinema.

The Late 1990's

Yeoh became known all over the world when she was cast as the lead Bond girl, Wai Lin, in the James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). This was because of her talent and screen presence. Her role as a skilled Chinese spy opposite Pierce Brosnan's James Bond was praised by critics and helped her get known around the world.

The 2000's

One of Michelle Yeoh's most iconic roles came in 2000 when she starred as Yu Shu Lien in Ang Lee's martial arts masterpiece Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The film received widespread acclaim, earning numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Following her success in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Michelle Yeoh appeared in various Hollywood films, including Memoirs of a Geisha (2005), Sunshine (2007), and The Lady (2011), where she portrayed the real-life Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The 2010's

In recent years, Michelle Yeoh has continued to excel in her acting career. She appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and the critically acclaimed romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians (2018) as Eleanor Young, the overbearing mother of the male lead. The film was a significant cultural milestone, being one of the first major Hollywood productions with an all-Asian cast.

Yeoh ventured into the realm of science fiction by joining the cast of the television series Star Trek: Discovery in 2017 as Philippa Georgiou.

Everything Everywhere All at Once, which came out in 2022, was Michelle Yeoh's first leading role in Hollywood. The part was written just for her. As the troubled laundromat owner Evelyn Wang, Yeoh was praised for showing the real struggles of an older immigrant and for showing different levels of martial arts skill during the story. Yeoh's performance was praised by many people, and she was the first actress from Asia to be nominated for and win the Oscar for Best Actress, becoming the first Asian woman and second woman of color to win the coveted Best Actress trophy.

Michelle Yeoh's Net Worth

Throughout her career, Michelle Yeoh has earned herself a $45 million net worth. Most of her roles on television and in movies have paid her very well, and since winning an Oscar, she can now demand her own pay.

Michelle Yeoh's Personal Life

Yeoh is married to Jean Todt, a French motorsport executive. The two have been together since 2004, and they got engaged in 2015. It wasn't until 2023 that they tied the knot.

Michelle Yeoh was previously married to Dickson Poon (1988–1991).

Michelle Yeoh: Activism

Michelle Yeoh is known for the charity work she does and how much she cares about social issues. She worked as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations to bring attention to issues like poverty, education, and protecting the environment. Yeoh is also a supporter of human rights. She has worked on campaigns to promote equal rights for men and women and stop violence against women. Yeoh also cares deeply about animals and has worked on campaigns to protect endangered species and improve the lives of animals.