Michelle Yeoh Biography: Michelle Yeoh PSM SPMP born 6 August 1962), professionally known as Michelle Yeoh (/joʊ/), is a Malaysian actress. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, Yeoh has worked across a diverse range of genres and earned numerous awards, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, as well as nominations for two British Academy Film Awards.
Michelle Yeoh Biography
Michelle Yeoh was born in Ipoh, Malaysia, to Janet Yeoh and Kian Teik Yeoh. Of Hokkien heritage, she spoke English and Malay before learning Chinese. Starting ballet at age four, she moved to London as a teenager to study at the Royal Academy of Dance. After a short dance career, she won the Miss Malaysia beauty pageant and the Miss Moomba title in Melbourne, Australia, during the early 1980s.
Michelle Yeoh Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Yeoh Choo Kheng
6 August 1962 Ipoh, Perak, Federation of Malaya
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|---|---|
| Other names | Michelle Khan |
| Education | Royal Academy of Dance (BA) |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Works | Full list |
| Spouses |
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Michelle Yeoh
Yeoh Choo Kheng PSM SPMP, known professionally as Michelle Yeoh, is a Malaysian actress. In a career spanning over four decades, Yeoh has appeared in projects encompassing a wide array of genres.
Michelle Yeoh Achievements
Early in her career, she was credited as Michelle Khan and gained fame in the 1980s and 1990s through Hong Kong action and martial arts films, where she famously performed her own stunts. Notable films from this period include Yes, Madam (1985), Magnificent Warriors (1987), Police Story 3: Super Cop (1992), The Heroic Trio and Tai Chi Master (both 1993), and Wing Chun (1994).
Michelle Yeoh Achievements
Her first on-screen appearance was in a 1984 commercial alongside martial arts star Jackie Chan. In 1985, she began acting in action films with Hong Kong’s D&B Films, initially credited as Michelle Khan before switching to Michelle Yeoh. Though not formally trained in martial arts, she used her dance skills and guidance from trainers to perform her own martial arts stunts and incorporated many dance moves into her action scenes.
Michelle Yeoh Wiki
- Born: 6 August 1962 (age 62 years), Ipoh, Malaysia
- Spouse: Jean Todt (m. 2023), Dickson Poon (m. 1988–1992)
- Awards: Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role ·
- Upcoming movies: Avatar: Fire and Ash, Avatar 5, Avatar 4
- Nationality: Malaysian
Early life and education
Michelle Yeoh was born on 6 August 1962 in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, to Janet Yeoh and Yeoh Kian-teik. Her father served as a Malaysian Senator from 1959 to 1969, representing Perak’s Malaysian Chinese Association. He was also the Chairman of the Perak Bar Association and founded “Sri Maju” in 1975, a prominent intercity coach service operating in Malaysia and Singapore. Yeoh is of Hokkien and Cantonese descent. Growing up, she spoke English with her father and understood some Malaysian Cantonese from her maternal grandmother, who lived with the family.
It wasn’t until the 1980s and 1990s, after beginning her career in Hong Kong, that she became fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin. However, she never learned to read or write Chinese characters, which she has expressed as her biggest regret. From a young age, Yeoh showed a passion for dance, starting ballet at age four. She attended Main Convent Ipoh, a girls’ school. At 15, she moved with her parents to England, where she enrolled at The Hammond School in Chester to train as a ballet dancer.
Profile
- 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
- Spouse: Jean Todt (married 2023)
- Children: None
- Net Worth: Approximately $40 million
Family Background
Michelle Yeoh was born into an affluent Malaysian family. Her father, Yeoh Kian Teik, was a lawyer and a politician affiliated with the Malaysian Chinese Association, while her mother, Janet Yeoh, was a homemaker. From an early age, Michelle showed a strong passion for dance, beginning ballet at just four years old. She later trained at the Royal Academy of Dance in London. Unfortunately, a spinal injury forced her to abandon her dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer, shifting her focus instead to choreography and other artistic pursuits.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
In 1983, Yeoh’s mother encouraged her to enter the Miss Malaysia beauty pageant, which she won, launching her public career. This success led to a commercial with Jackie Chan that caught the attention of Hong Kong filmmakers. Yeoh made her film debut in 1984 and quickly rose to fame in Hong Kong action cinema, performing her own stunts in films such as Yes, Madam (1985) and Police Story 3: Super Cop (1992).
Notable Works and Achievements
Yeoh’s international breakthrough came with her role as Wai Lin in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), praised for redefining the Bond girl archetype. She solidified her status with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress. Her acclaimed performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2023, making her the first Asian woman to win this prestigious honor.
Personal Life and Relationships
Yeoh married Hong Kong businessman Dickson Poon in 1988 and retired temporarily from acting to focus on family. They divorced in 1992, after which she resumed her career. In 2023, she married Jean Todt, former Ferrari CEO, following a long engagement. Although she does not have biological children, Yeoh embraces her role as a stepmother and grandmother, cherishing her extended family life.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Yeoh is famous for performing her own stunts, which is rare among actresses, earning her recognition as one of the greatest female action stars.
- She was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2022 and was honored as its Icon of the Year.
- Despite her impressive martial arts skills on screen, Yeoh never formally trained in martial arts before her film career; she utilized her dance background to master complex fight choreography.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Yeoh actively supports numerous charitable causes focusing on poverty reduction, education, and environmental protection. Her groundbreaking success has opened doors for greater Asian representation in Hollywood and inspired countless aspiring actors.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Looking ahead, Yeoh is set to star in the upcoming film adaptation of the musical Wicked, scheduled for release in 2024, highlighting her versatility as an actress. Beyond cinema, she continues to challenge stereotypes and advocate for diversity, leaving a lasting cultural impact worldwide.
Michelle Yeoh Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Michelle Yeoh’s net worth is estimated at around $40 million, earned through a prolific acting career spanning over four decades. She has made smart investments in real estate worldwide and is well-known for her philanthropic work, including serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme.
FAQs
What languages does Michelle Yeoh speak fluently?
Michelle Yeoh speaks English, Malay, Cantonese, and some Mandarin fluently. She learned Cantonese and Mandarin later in her career after moving to Hong Kong.
Did Michelle Yeoh perform her own stunts in movies?
Yes, Michelle Yeoh is well-known for doing most of her own stunts, combining her dance background with martial arts choreography to deliver impressive action sequences.
What injury affected Michelle Yeoh’s early career plans?
Michelle Yeoh suffered a spinal injury that prevented her from pursuing a professional career as a ballet dancer, which led her to shift her focus to choreography and later acting.
Who is Michelle Yeoh married to?
As of 2023, Michelle Yeoh is married to Jean Todt, the former CEO of Ferrari.
How did Michelle Yeoh start her acting career?
Michelle Yeoh began her acting career after winning the Miss Malaysia pageant in 1983, which led to a commercial with Jackie Chan and eventually a breakthrough in Hong Kong action films.
What upcoming projects is Michelle Yeoh involved in?
Michelle Yeoh is set to star in the film adaptation of the musical Wicked, scheduled for release in 2024.