Michelle Yeoh Choo-Kheng, born on August 6, 1962, in Ipoh, Malaysia, is an internationally celebrated actress known for her dynamic presence in action and dramatic cinema. She rose to fame through her Hong Kong action films, earning global respect for performing her own stunts. Additionally, her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once made history when she became the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2023.
Growing up in a well-established Malaysian family, Yeoh embraced the arts from an early age. Although she trained intensely in ballet, a spinal injury ended her dreams of becoming a professional dancer. Nevertheless, she redirected her passion toward acting, choreography, and performance, ultimately building one of the most influential careers in Asian and global cinema.
Quick Facts of Michelle Yeoh
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michelle Yeoh Choo-Kheng |
| Date of Birth | August 6, 1962 |
| Place of Birth | Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia |
| Nationality | Malaysian |
| Languages | English, Malay, Cantonese, some Mandarin |
| Education | Royal Academy of Dance, London |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1983–present |
| Notable Films | Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Tomorrow Never Dies, Everything Everywhere All at Once |
| Spouse | Jean Todt (m. 2023) |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | Estimated $40 million (2025) |
| Major Awards | Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG Award |
Early Life and Family Background
Michelle Yeoh was born into a prominent family in Ipoh. Her father, Yeoh Kian Teik, was a respected lawyer and political figure, while her mother, Janet Yeoh, nurtured Michelle’s artistic interests. From the age of four, Yeoh trained in ballet, showing exceptional discipline and passion. Even though her dance career ended due to injury, her artistic foundation eventually helped her excel in action choreography and acting.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
In 1983, Yeoh’s mother encouraged her to enter the Miss Malaysia pageant, which she won. Soon after, she appeared in a commercial with Jackie Chan, catching the attention of Hong Kong film producers. Consequently, her acting career began rapidly.
Yeoh made her film debut in 1984 and quickly became a standout figure in Hong Kong action cinema. Moreover, she performed her own stunts in films like Yes, Madam (1985) and Police Story 3: Super Cop (1992), showcasing remarkable physical ability. These performances established her as one of the most respected action stars of her time.
Notable Works and Major Achievements
Michelle Yeoh’s international breakthrough occurred in 1997 when she portrayed Wai Lin in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies. She received praise for reinventing the role of a Bond girl as a strong, capable action hero.
In 2000, Yeoh captivated global audiences again with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress. Her career soared even further with Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), where she delivered a transformative performance. In 2023, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress — becoming the first Asian woman in history to do so.
Personal Life and Relationships
Yeoh married Hong Kong businessman Dickson Poon in 1988 and retired temporarily from acting. After their divorce in 1992, she returned to her career with renewed focus. Later, she entered a long-term relationship with Jean Todt, former CEO of Ferrari, and the two married in 2023. Although she has no biological children, Yeoh embraces her role as a stepmother and grandmother.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2025, Michelle Yeoh’s net worth stands at approximately $40 million. Her wealth comes from her decades-long acting career, endorsements, and global investments. Yeoh also serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, dedicating time and resources to humanitarian efforts.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Yeoh performs most of her own stunts, making her one of the most respected action actresses in the world.
- Time magazine named her one of the 100 Most Influential People in 2022 and honored her as Icon of the Year.
- Despite her martial arts roles, Yeoh never trained formally in martial arts; she used her dance background to master complex fight choreography.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Michelle Yeoh is deeply involved in causes tied to education, environmental conservation, and poverty reduction. Her influence extends beyond Hollywood, inspiring Asian performers and challenging long-standing stereotypes. Her achievements continue to redefine representation in global cinema.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Looking ahead, Yeoh is set to appear in the film adaptation of the musical Wicked, scheduled for release in 2024. Additionally, she continues to advocate for diversity in entertainment, pushing for greater inclusivity and authentic representation. Her cultural impact, therefore, remains powerful and far-reaching.
