When we talk about Asian actresses that made it big in the Hollywood, we don’t have to go too far and Michelle Yeoh will be brought into the conversation. Coming from Ipoh, Malaysia, she had a long and impressive movie career that earned her many achievements in this industry. Among some of the big movies that she has starred in are Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Crazy Rich Asians, Memoirs of a Geisha, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Here are some facts that you may not know about the star, Michelle Yeoh.
She Is A Trained Ballet Dancer
The world may know Michelle as a famous actress, but when Michelle was still a kid, she wanted to become a ballet dancer. She began her ballet lessons when she was four and continued pursuing her dream after moving to London. She eventually enrolled herself in the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance. Unfortunately, she suffered a spinal injury that left her unable to complete the program.
She’s A Multiple Beauty Pageant Winner
Did you know Michelle was crowned Miss Malaysia in 1983? She also travelled to Australia in 1983 and won several pageants, including Miss Moomba and Queen of the Pacific.
She Performs A Lot Of Her Own Stunts
Michelle has been in several action movies during her career, and she has become known for doing many of her own stunts. Even though she has been injured several times over the years, she’s always enjoyed doing the stunts.
Her Film Career Started By Chance
Businessman Dickson Poon, the co-founder of D&B Films, was looking for an actress to appear with Jackie Chan in a commercial. When Poon happened to dine with a friend, he suggested Yeoh, who had won the Miss Malaysia beauty contest. She flew down to Hong Kong, cracked the job bagged a contract with D&B Films.
She Speaks In 3 Languages
As a Malaysian Chinese, Michelle speaks English, Malay, and Cantonese fluently. Although it may seem like a norm in Malaysia, it is an outstanding feat in many other countries.
She Is The Goodwill Ambassador Of The UN Development Programme
In 2016, Michelle was appointed the UNDP Goodwill Ambassador to raise awareness and gather support for the Sustainable Development Goals campaign that aims to end poverty of all forms in 2030. She even partnered with UNDP’s first Animal Ambassadors, two panda clubs, to kickstart the Global Goals campaign.
Michelle Practices Buddhism
Michelle was born into a Buddhist family and she continues to practice Buddhism today. Her faith and spirituality are very important parts of her life. During an interview with Lions Roar, Michelle said, “Buddhist philosophy grounds you as a person. Every one of us, we are always seeking.”
The Actress Receives Multiple Awards
As a famous actress for decades, she has won many awards especially in regards to film. Some of her great achievements is the Lifetime Achievement Award from the ASEAN International Film Festival in 2013 and the Golden Globe’s Best Actress In A Musical Or Comedy Motion Picture in 2023. She have also been named as Time Magazine’s 2022 Icon of the Year.
She Starred In A Marvel Movie
She made headlines with her role in the Marvel superhero blockbuster Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The movie introduces the first Asian hero to the MCU’s roster.
She Has A Doctorate Degree In Fine Arts
Besides being an actress and all-round girl boss, Michelle also wears other hats – one of them being a Doctorate of Fine Arts degree holder. Back in August 2022, she was presented with an honorary degree by the American Film Institute for her contributions of distinctions to the art of the moving image.
