Michelle Yeoh
Birthday: 6 August 1962, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Birth Name: Yeoh Chu-Kheng
Height: 163 cm
Born as Yang Zi Qiong in the mining town of Ipoh, in West Malaysia, in the lunar year of the Tiger, Michelle is the daughter of Janet Yeoh and Yeoh Kian Teik, a lawyer and politician. She is of Han Ch ...Show More
When men have a smile on their faces, that does a lot for me.
When men have a smile on their faces, that does a lot for me.
Movies cater to what the audiences want.
Movies cater to what the audiences want.
In a movie, that's the only time when you're allowed these kind of fantasies to be lived. Being able Show more
In a movie, that's the only time when you're allowed these kind of fantasies to be lived. Being able to look so cool and be able to fight five bad guys and take them down. When can you do that? Hide
Every time I choose to do a movie, I make the decision because of what I think I can learn from it.
Every time I choose to do a movie, I make the decision because of what I think I can learn from it.
It's all choreographed; it's a routine. So I told everyone I really wanted to try fighting in action Show more
It's all choreographed; it's a routine. So I told everyone I really wanted to try fighting in action films. I had no stunt experience, but I had the dance background, and I was very agile and coordinated. And the best thing about being a newcomer to acting is you can afford to try new things. Hide
I did ballet, piano and all that - my brother did martial arts, my passion.
I did ballet, piano and all that - my brother did martial arts, my passion.
The Asia and the Pacific region is facing an epidemic of road death and injury, but we also have inn Show more
The Asia and the Pacific region is facing an epidemic of road death and injury, but we also have innovative Asian road safety solutions. Hide
Raising awareness for Nepal was and still is an important role for me.
Raising awareness for Nepal was and still is an important role for me.
[on playing Aung San Suu Kyi in The Lady (2011)] If there is one thing I learned from this experienc Show more
[on playing Aung San Suu Kyi in The Lady (2011)] If there is one thing I learned from this experience it's you need to believe in people, and their ability to grow and to change. You can never give up hope. Hide
Playing a sinner is very liberating!
Playing a sinner is very liberating!
San Suu's story will always involve politics, but the essence is the love story.
San Suu's story will always involve politics, but the essence is the love story.
I have done many films across the globe and would love to be a part of Bollywood, but the script mus Show more
I have done many films across the globe and would love to be a part of Bollywood, but the script must have a strong character for me. Hide
In Asia, we constantly play Koreans, Malay, Chinese. We do not question that, as you do not question Show more
In Asia, we constantly play Koreans, Malay, Chinese. We do not question that, as you do not question an Englishman playing an American or a German. Hide
They won't take you seriously because you are a girl. These guys had to understand that you are just Show more
They won't take you seriously because you are a girl. These guys had to understand that you are just as tough as them, and you have to take them on. Hide
As a producer, what you want to do is make the next hit. But you also want to lead the audience into Show more
As a producer, what you want to do is make the next hit. But you also want to lead the audience into wanting to watch different movies. You have to vary your content. Hide
I thoroughly enjoy a good hot bath. That is my ultimate luxury.
I thoroughly enjoy a good hot bath. That is my ultimate luxury.
Why do we have 'Transformers 5 or 6?' Because young kids will go and see it four or five times.
Why do we have 'Transformers 5 or 6?' Because young kids will go and see it four or five times.
On 'Far North,' we were always aware of being at the whim of mother nature. She's the biggest star i Show more
On 'Far North,' we were always aware of being at the whim of mother nature. She's the biggest star in the film. Hide
Today, tomorrow and every day, we will see at least 2,000 young children killed or seriously injured Show more
Today, tomorrow and every day, we will see at least 2,000 young children killed or seriously injured on the world's roads. This is unacceptable, preventable, and we have to stop it. We have the vaccines for this disease: helmets, seat belts, speed enforcement, safe road design. We just need to use them. Hide
Body language is more fascinating to me than actual language.
Body language is more fascinating to me than actual language.
Wai Lin is the first Bond Girl who is on a par with Bond, someone who can match up with him mentally Show more
Wai Lin is the first Bond Girl who is on a par with Bond, someone who can match up with him mentally and physically. From the moment our characters see each other, there is a wariness and a recognition that this person is not who she or he seems to be. Hide
Sometimes, being a girl away from home - it gets to you.
Sometimes, being a girl away from home - it gets to you.
When you love someone, you don't try to change them.
When you love someone, you don't try to change them.
If you were ever a ballerina, you know the pain: just to be able to look like it's all so light, but Show more
If you were ever a ballerina, you know the pain: just to be able to look like it's all so light, but when they take off their shoes, it's all bloody. Hide
I'm not a fashion victim, and I don't closely follow trends. I dress the way I feel comfortable beca Show more
I'm not a fashion victim, and I don't closely follow trends. I dress the way I feel comfortable because, at the end of the day, you have to be comfortable. Hide
Playing Aung San Suu Kyi was a journey in itself. She represents many things for many people and for Show more
Playing Aung San Suu Kyi was a journey in itself. She represents many things for many people and for many reasons. Although I have played many important roles in my life, I can say that this role has been a journey of self-realization. Hide
Unfortunately, many parents reject helmets for their kids out of a mistaken perception that helmets Show more
Unfortunately, many parents reject helmets for their kids out of a mistaken perception that helmets are unsafe for children. Hide
I gravitate towards roles where women find strength in very difficult, uncompromising situations but Show more
I gravitate towards roles where women find strength in very difficult, uncompromising situations but maintain clarity in mind, discipline at heart, and a certain strength in spirit. Hide
'The Lady' is an incredible love story about how a family was cut off from each other, about sacrifi Show more
'The Lady' is an incredible love story about how a family was cut off from each other, about sacrifice, about the ability to put the needs of million of people before your own. Hide
When it is real person, especially who means so much to millions of people, you have an obligation, Show more
When it is real person, especially who means so much to millions of people, you have an obligation, you cannot take liberties, you cannot pretend to know. But we are telling the love story of Michael Aris and his wife, the story of a beautiful, lush country, and the emotions of a mother. Hide
In many ways, I feel I'm still as physically fit as I was 20 years ago because I've always been athl Show more
In many ways, I feel I'm still as physically fit as I was 20 years ago because I've always been athletic. Hide
It was like baptism by fire. There was no school for studying acting. You just have to take it upon Show more
It was like baptism by fire. There was no school for studying acting. You just have to take it upon yourself to learn from your peers. It's about opening your eyes, listening, and watching. Hide
Acting is not just impersonating your character.
Acting is not just impersonating your character.
My mother is a very big cinema buff, so as a kid, we watched a lot of Indian and Malay films.
My mother is a very big cinema buff, so as a kid, we watched a lot of Indian and Malay films.
Learning how to walk in a kimono was an art form in itself - if you didn't learn to do it properly i Show more
Learning how to walk in a kimono was an art form in itself - if you didn't learn to do it properly it was like dragging a dead cat across the floor! We had to walk with a piece of paper between your knees and a tea tray balanced on your head. Hide
The beauty about being a producer is you sit there, and you explore ideas which become a passion, wh Show more
The beauty about being a producer is you sit there, and you explore ideas which become a passion, which slowly becomes a reality. Hide
My career in the movie business began in Hong Kong, my heart has always been tied to Asia, and it is Show more
My career in the movie business began in Hong Kong, my heart has always been tied to Asia, and it is immensely gratifying to see international recognition for Asian cinema as a whole. Hide
You have to have integrity.
You have to have integrity.
As an actor, you can't just imitate someone. You have to get under her skin.
As an actor, you can't just imitate someone. You have to get under her skin.
Sometimes when I'm on the phone, someone will say, 'Yes, Mr. Yeoh.' And I'm thinking, 'I'm not Mr. Y Show more
Sometimes when I'm on the phone, someone will say, 'Yes, Mr. Yeoh.' And I'm thinking, 'I'm not Mr. Yeoh, man.' Hide
I love my martial arts and action movies. They give another dimension to the acting world: the emoti Show more
I love my martial arts and action movies. They give another dimension to the acting world: the emotional plus the physical. Hide
When I made my first film, it was just an adventure. But after my first movie, I guess I got more of Show more
When I made my first film, it was just an adventure. But after my first movie, I guess I got more of a feeling of what was happening around me. Hide
It can only be true love when you enable your other half to be better, to be the person they're dest Show more
It can only be true love when you enable your other half to be better, to be the person they're destined to be. Hide
As producers, we can influence where the budget goes, but only the director really controls what ton Show more
As producers, we can influence where the budget goes, but only the director really controls what tone, what type of movie you are trying to make. Hide
It's very important for us all to understand that we are interconnected and we need to hold hands to Show more
It's very important for us all to understand that we are interconnected and we need to hold hands together, especially when the going gets tough. Hide
I have been presented with roles with demand not just a physical ability but mental disciplines as w Show more
I have been presented with roles with demand not just a physical ability but mental disciplines as well. Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) was not so much about physical exertion... it was much more graceful and contained than that. Hide
There is no guaranteed formula. And that's one of the interesting things about film making. You coul Show more
There is no guaranteed formula. And that's one of the interesting things about film making. You could put $115 million in, and it doesn't guarantee success. Hide
Action shouldn't just be seeing all those crashes. You can blow up a cathedral; next time you blow u Show more
Action shouldn't just be seeing all those crashes. You can blow up a cathedral; next time you blow up the Great Wall of China, and then what? But when you're in love with your characters, the smallest action becomes an important action. Hide
I believe all of us want to do good for our country.
I believe all of us want to do good for our country.
Some of the martial arts films, the motivation is about martial arts. That's where it's coming from. Show more
Some of the martial arts films, the motivation is about martial arts. That's where it's coming from. It is a visual, commercial film, to showcase the next stunt, the biggest thing. And character development becomes a side thing. Hide
I grew up in Malaysia, and Bollywood is really big there. As a result, I've grown up watching a lot Show more
I grew up in Malaysia, and Bollywood is really big there. As a result, I've grown up watching a lot of Hindi movies. Hide
Martial arts is just practice. Being a geisha requires complete control.
Martial arts is just practice. Being a geisha requires complete control.
Let's empower men and help them take a stand to stop acts of violence against women.
Let's empower men and help them take a stand to stop acts of violence against women.
Your timing has to be very accurate. I've done a lot of wire work before. I can see that experience Show more
Your timing has to be very accurate. I've done a lot of wire work before. I can see that experience makes a big difference. Hide
I think that learning Burmese has to have been one of the most challenging things that I have had to Show more
I think that learning Burmese has to have been one of the most challenging things that I have had to do for a movie. Hide
Before you get into the mind, you have to inhabit the physicality. Body language is a great way of s Show more
Before you get into the mind, you have to inhabit the physicality. Body language is a great way of speaking. Hide
I went to the Gobi Desert, even though I had no scenes there. This is the greatness of China, the la Show more
I went to the Gobi Desert, even though I had no scenes there. This is the greatness of China, the landscape, even for us. Hide
There might never be another 'Crouching Tiger.' There might be something that's even better than 'Cr Show more
There might never be another 'Crouching Tiger.' There might be something that's even better than 'Crouching Tiger.' Hide
In Europe and America, you never see a director pick up a camera. They all sit behind monitors.
In Europe and America, you never see a director pick up a camera. They all sit behind monitors.
With an award like the Asian Film Awards, we've sent a message saying that 'Asian Cinema is here, it Show more
With an award like the Asian Film Awards, we've sent a message saying that 'Asian Cinema is here, it matters, and more importantly, we are all part of the same fraternity!' The AFA is truly, then, an award for Asia, by Asia. Hide
I had an amazing teacher, who was Burmese, and she was living in Paris at the time, and she is one o Show more
I had an amazing teacher, who was Burmese, and she was living in Paris at the time, and she is one of very few who doesn't actually receive a credit in the film because she still has family over there. Hide
Every time you do a movie, it's important for your career, your reputation.
Every time you do a movie, it's important for your career, your reputation.
When someone acknowledges you for something that they think about you, it's a huge compliment.
When someone acknowledges you for something that they think about you, it's a huge compliment.
India is a great talent pool of actors. I see Freida Pinto making it big in Hollywood, and I am sure Show more
India is a great talent pool of actors. I see Freida Pinto making it big in Hollywood, and I am sure many others can also make it. Hide
I kick and punch quite hard, and it surprises people.
I kick and punch quite hard, and it surprises people.
I don't like cutting my hair. I did that once, and my mum thought I was a boy.
I don't like cutting my hair. I did that once, and my mum thought I was a boy.
When you face up to bad things in the past, the most important thing is not to allow them to happen Show more
When you face up to bad things in the past, the most important thing is not to allow them to happen today or in the future, and as storytellers, we must play our part in that. Hide
It's so important for me to do my own stunts. The sense of achievement is so immense. But the studio Show more
It's so important for me to do my own stunts. The sense of achievement is so immense. But the studios don't want to take the risk. Hide
I prefer to be kicked four or five times well, you know, hard, than twenty or twenty five times not Show more
I prefer to be kicked four or five times well, you know, hard, than twenty or twenty five times not so good... Hide
I want to be there for all those who are left behind in this world, whether it's because they are bo Show more
I want to be there for all those who are left behind in this world, whether it's because they are born poor, born a woman, or born in an area affected by devastation. Hide
I believe that the director is really the soul. It is a collaborative effort, but the director is th Show more
I believe that the director is really the soul. It is a collaborative effort, but the director is the one who needs to have that vision. It could be a great script, but it starts from there. You need to have good material, at least, but if you don't have someone with vision, it's just words. Hide
We all learn every day, and that's the magic about film making.
We all learn every day, and that's the magic about film making.
I stretch and do my squats when I brush my teeth.
I stretch and do my squats when I brush my teeth.
I have very supportive parents who said, 'Go and do what you want to do. Home is always here for you Show more
I have very supportive parents who said, 'Go and do what you want to do. Home is always here for you, and if you don't like it out there, come back. You can always do something different.' So when you have an option like that, you are able to choose roles or choose the things you want to be in. Hide
If you read a lot of Chinese literature, there has always been very strong women figures - warriors, Show more
If you read a lot of Chinese literature, there has always been very strong women figures - warriors, swordswomen - who defended honor and loyalty with the men. So, it's not new to our culture - it's always been very much a part of it. It's good that now the Western audience would have a different image of the Chinese women. Hide
As an actress, you know there are limitations on what you can do creatively.
As an actress, you know there are limitations on what you can do creatively.
I've taken this year to concentrate fully on the promotion of 'The Lady.' This movie has been so mea Show more
I've taken this year to concentrate fully on the promotion of 'The Lady.' This movie has been so meaningful; until we have premiered in every part of the world and encouraged as many people as possible to shine the spotlight on the Burmese people and Daw Suu, I will not have a next project. Hide
I love action films, and to be able to put together 'Silver Hawk' was so exciting.
I love action films, and to be able to put together 'Silver Hawk' was so exciting.
The first one I did was an action film with Sammo Hung and George Lam, but I had the usual female ro Show more
The first one I did was an action film with Sammo Hung and George Lam, but I had the usual female role for that time: you know, damsel in distress, rescued by the hero. Hide
As an actor, you hope to find roles that are challenging to you as an artist. Then if you are truly Show more
As an actor, you hope to find roles that are challenging to you as an artist. Then if you are truly blessed, you will find that it also carries a message that you can impart to your audience. Hide
When a movie becomes very successful, it's automatic that people will start thinking a sequel, a pre Show more
When a movie becomes very successful, it's automatic that people will start thinking a sequel, a prequel, a quel-quel. Hide
I don't plan to go out and do action or not do action.
I don't plan to go out and do action or not do action.
We have to make movies where we do not think this is for the American market or this is for the Chin Show more
We have to make movies where we do not think this is for the American market or this is for the Chinese market. We have to make a good movie that anyone would just want to sit down and watch because love, language, culture transcend everything. Hide
When I watch myself on-screen, I always look for the flaws.
When I watch myself on-screen, I always look for the flaws.
Martial arts is something you can learn or pick up and think you could do really well.
Martial arts is something you can learn or pick up and think you could do really well.
In one take, I had to do 24 combat sequences, which is hard. It makes you think, 'I'd better get on Show more
In one take, I had to do 24 combat sequences, which is hard. It makes you think, 'I'd better get on my toes again.' Hide
It's our responsibility as filmmakers to tell a story that's a human drama.
It's our responsibility as filmmakers to tell a story that's a human drama.
'Crouching Tiger,' of course, was a very dramatic role for me, and the fighting was very serious.
'Crouching Tiger,' of course, was a very dramatic role for me, and the fighting was very serious.
This world belongs to all of us, and all sexes should be able to live in respect and harmony.
This world belongs to all of us, and all sexes should be able to live in respect and harmony.
If I only get to play Malaysian roles, there wouldn't be very many roles for me to play.
If I only get to play Malaysian roles, there wouldn't be very many roles for me to play.
When you're a teenager, you could do a lot more crazy things, and your body recovers faster.
When you're a teenager, you could do a lot more crazy things, and your body recovers faster.
You never know whether the subject matter will click with the audience at that particular time. I wi Show more
You never know whether the subject matter will click with the audience at that particular time. I wish there was a formula, you know, 'That plus that equals success.' Hide
It's very important that I'm approaching a character that I've either not played before, or I can gi Show more
It's very important that I'm approaching a character that I've either not played before, or I can give it a different take. Hide
I'm terrible on the phone. I just text my friends and family and say, 'Hey, I'm in town.'
I'm terrible on the phone. I just text my friends and family and say, 'Hey, I'm in town.'
To be a geisha, you have to have to an iron-clad layer around you - around your physical body and yo Show more
To be a geisha, you have to have to an iron-clad layer around you - around your physical body and your heart. Hide
I was struck by Suu Kyi's warmth and generosity. No matter how petite she looks, she exudes amazing Show more
I was struck by Suu Kyi's warmth and generosity. No matter how petite she looks, she exudes amazing strength. More than anything else, I felt like I already knew her, like she was an old friend, because I'd been watching her so intently, and she was exactly what I had figured she would be. Hide
The reason why I decided to wait two years after the Bond movie, and to work with Ang Lee in a marti Show more
The reason why I decided to wait two years after the Bond movie, and to work with Ang Lee in a martial arts movie, is because I really believe that this genre deserves more respect and dignity than it's ever been given. Before, people saw it as a fairy tale; they felt they could take it easy. But it shouldn't be about that. It's so steeped in our culture, it should have more depth to it. It's never easy to find that balance, when it's such a magical type of film, to make you accept our soaring to the skies . . . it was a risk, but when we did this movie, it was for a Western audience. Hide
I always thought of myself as James Bond.
I always thought of myself as James Bond.
Jackie Chan is like a big bro to me.
Jackie Chan is like a big bro to me.
There is so much we can do to save lives on our roads.
There is so much we can do to save lives on our roads.
I gathered as much reading material about Aung San Suu Kyi and about Burma as I could. And I read ev Show more
I gathered as much reading material about Aung San Suu Kyi and about Burma as I could. And I read every article and every book she had written. I also had 200 hours of footage of her to watch. I tried to discover who were her heroes and where he desire and strength to pursue democracy in a non-violent fashion came from. Hide
I have people who love me and people that I love and a man that I love. So in that sense, I feel tha Show more
I have people who love me and people that I love and a man that I love. So in that sense, I feel that I'm pretty well rounded. Hide
For an actress, everything is always fine - you are looked after, you have your trailer, and everyth Show more
For an actress, everything is always fine - you are looked after, you have your trailer, and everything provided. But the crew are the ones out there in the wilds all the time, hours before and after us. Hide
My grandmother had flawless skin just from using basic skincare - an old herbal remedy in the form o Show more
My grandmother had flawless skin just from using basic skincare - an old herbal remedy in the form of a white powder and cream. I don't actually know what was in it because when you're young, you're not interested in skincare, and I didn't want to walk around the house with a white face. Hide
Michelle Yeoh's FILMOGRAPHY
as Actor (100)
Michelle Yeoh'S roles
Wai Lin
Dr. Yu
Sister Rebeka
Soothsayer
Aung San Suu Kyi
Mameha
Captain Georgiou
Insp. Jessica Yang
Yu Shu Lien
Emperor Georgiou, Captain Philippa Georgiou
Eleanor Young
Mei
Corazon
