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Yeoh Chu-Kheng was born on August 6, 1962, in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. Growing up, she took an interest in all kinds of activities: squash, diving and swimming to name a few. Ballet, though, was her favorite. So much so that she attended the Academy of Dance in London, England where she earned a B.A. in dance and a minor in drama. While in London, she suffered an injury that ended her dance career. In 1983, she returned home and her mother soon entered her in the Miss Malaysia contest. To her surprise, she won. As Miss Malaysia, she was asked to do a commercial with Hong Kong film star, Jackie Chan. That commercial lead to more, including one with Chow Yun Fat. Actor/director Sammo Hung took notice of her and figured that with her background in dance, she could easily make the transition to action films. She was hired by D&B Films to do her first film, Owl vs. Dumbo, in 1984. For the overseas movie market she took the stage name Michelle Khan. Her agent figured it would appeal more to the English speaking countries. In 1986, she had her first staring role in Yes, Madam. It was a huge success. After four years and five movies with D&B Films, she married Dickson Poon (the D in the D&B). At Poon’s request, Michelle retired from movie making. Fortunately for her fans, Michelle and Poon divorced in 1991. Michelle quickly went back to work. Her first film back was Supercop with Jackie Chan. The US release of Supercop started a small but loyal fan base in the States. After the renewed success, Michelle felt it was time to drop the name Khan and use her family name, Yeoh. Michelle Yeoh continued to make films in Hong Kong, but in 1997 her career got another huge boost when she stared in the James Bond flick, Tomorrow Never Dies. Since, her popularity has grown like wild fire. Still, the bright lights of Hollywood haven’t gone to her head. Making movies in Hong Kong is still at the top of the career. Luckily for us American fans, she plans to make more Hollywood films as well. Plus, the way things are going, I think her future Hong Kong films will get US playing time (as in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). I can’t wait. |
Michelle | Filmography |
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