Michelle Yeoh is not just a prominent name in global cinema, she is a powerful symbol of Asian, and especially Malaysian, pride. In 2023, she made history as the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, an extraordinary milestone in the Oscars’ 95-year history.
But behind the glamour of awards lies a life story defined by determination, courage, and deep dedication, both on screen and in her social impact work.
From Ballet to Action Films
Born on August 6, 1962, in Ipoh, Malaysia, Michelle Yeoh (also known as Michelle Khan and Yeoh Choo Kheng) grew up in a well-off family that encouraged her to be active from a young age. She loved swimming, playing basketball, and most notably, ballet.
Her talent in dance led her to the Royal Academy of Dance in London. Unfortunately, her dream of becoming a professional ballerina was cut short due to a serious back injury.
Yet, as with many remarkable stories, an unexpected turn led to new beginnings. In 1983, her mother secretly entered her into the Miss Malaysia pageant, and to everyone’s surprise, Michelle won. This victory launched her into the entertainment industry, including an appearance in a commercial with Jackie Chan, which became her gateway into the world of Hong Kong action cinema.
Doing Her Own Stunts
Michelle Yeoh is widely respected for one defining trait: she performs nearly all her own dangerous stunts. From Yes, Madam! (1985) to Supercop (1992) alongside Jackie Chan, her jaw-dropping action scenes captivated audiences and earned her the title of one of the greatest female action stars of all time.
Her intense training and background in dance gave her agility, precision, and a high pain threshold. In fact, she nearly broke her back while filming The Stunt Woman in 1995.
But instead of quitting, Yeoh pushed forward. A personal encouragement from director Quentin Tarantino during a period when she was contemplating retirement reignited her passion and reminded her why she belonged on screen.
Breaking Into Hollywood and the World
Michelle Yeoh’s fame in Asia eventually crossed continents with her Hollywood debut in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), a James Bond film, followed by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), which solidified her status as a global actress. Her career continued to shine in notable films such as Memoirs of a Geisha (2005), The Lady (2011), Crazy Rich Asians (2018), and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021).
However, her most pivotal breakthrough came at the age of 60 with Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022). In the film, she portrayed Evelyn, a laundromat owner caught in a wildly imaginative and deeply emotional multiverse adventure. The role demanded a wide range of characters and emotions, including versions of herself as an actress and martial arts expert.
Through this performance, Yeoh not only entertained but also profoundly moved audiences around the world. Her Oscar win for the role was more than a personal triumph, it was a historic moment for the Asian community that has long been underrepresented in Hollywood.
“For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibility. This is proof that dreams dream big and dreams do come true,” she said emotionally in her victory speech.
More Than Just an Actress
What makes Michelle Yeoh stand out beyond the silver screen is her commitment to global causes. Since 2016, she has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), advocating for issues such as poverty reduction, gender equality, and climate action.
From 2011 to 2020, she was also a global road safety ambassador for the UN, and has spoken directly at the UN General Assembly, calling for recognition of traffic accidents as a major health and development issue.
In addition, she actively supports wildlife conservation. As part of the “Pandas for the Global Goals” campaign, Yeoh partnered with two pandas from a research center in Chengdu, China, using their charm to promote the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to a global audience.
A Life of Recognition
Alongside her Oscar, Yeoh has received numerous prestigious awards. In 2024, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden, the highest civilian honor in the United States, for her contributions to culture and breaking stereotypes. That same year, she received the Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum for her leadership in global culture.
From her home country of Malaysia, she has been granted the title Tan Sri, one of the highest national honors. In 2017, France awarded her the title Commander of the Legion of Honour, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the arts and international influence.
