Michelle Yeoh

Cast · Writer

Born

August 6, 1962 · Ipoh, Malaysia

Birth name

Michelle Choo-Kheng Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh is a Malaysian actress whose career spans over four decades across film and television. She began with ballet training at The Hammond School in Chester, England, before a spinal injury redirected her path toward choreography and acting. After winning Miss Malaysia World in 1983, she transitioned to Hong Kong cinema, initially credited as Michelle Khan, where she established herself in action and martial arts films performing her own stunts. She moved to the United States and gained international recognition through Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). In 2002, she founded her production company Mythical Films. Her work expanded to voice acting and television. In 2022, she starred in Everything Everywhere All at Once, earning the Academy Award for Best Actress—becoming the first Asian woman and first Malaysian to win in this category. She has since appeared in Wicked (2024) as Madame Morrible. Beyond acting, she serves as a UNDP goodwill ambassador and campaigns for road safety, animal conservation, and gender equality.