Childhood and Education Journey of Michelle Yeoh in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Michelle Yeoh. A timeline of key moments.

Michelle Yeoh is a Malaysian actress celebrated for her action and martial arts film roles in Hong Kong cinema during the 1980s and 1990s. Known for performing her own stunts, she gained prominence in movies like Yes, Madam, Police Story 3: Super Cop, and Wing Chun. She has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award, solidifying her status as an internationally recognized and acclaimed actress.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1959: Father Elected as Senator of Malaysia

In 1959, Michelle Yeoh's father was elected as a Senator of Malaysia, beginning his term that lasted until 1969.

August 1962: Michelle Yeoh's Birth

In August 1962, Michelle Yeoh was born as Yeoh Choo Kheng in Malaysia. Later she would gain fame as an actress known for her action and martial arts roles.

August 1962: Michelle Yeoh's Birth in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

In August 1962, Michelle Yeoh was born in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, marking the beginning of her life and eventual career as an actress.

1969: Father's Term as Senator Ends

In 1969, Michelle Yeoh's father's term as a Senator of Malaysia ended, concluding his period in office.

1975: Father Founded 'Sri Maju'

In 1975, Michelle Yeoh's father founded 'Sri Maju', a major intercity coach service in Malaysia and Singapore.

1983: Received Bachelor of Arts Degree

In 1983, Michelle Yeoh received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Crewe + Alsager College of Higher Education, marking the completion of her formal education.

1983: Won Miss Malaysia World Contest

In 1983, at the age of twenty, Michelle Yeoh won the Miss Malaysia World contest, which led to her representing Malaysia in the Miss World pageant.

1984: Won Miss Moomba International Pageant

In 1984, Michelle Yeoh won the Miss Moomba International pageant in Australia, adding to her early successes.

1987: Married Dickson Poon and Retired from Acting

In 1987, Michelle Yeoh married Dickson Poon, a co-founder of D&B Films, and subsequently decided to retire from acting.

1987: Starred in Magnificent Warriors

In 1987, Michelle Yeoh starred in Magnificent Warriors, showcasing her martial arts skills. It was also in 1987 that she married Dickson Poon, a co-founder of D&B Films, and retired from acting.

1988: Marriage to Dickson Poon

In 1988, Michelle Yeoh married Hong Kong entrepreneur Dickson Poon.

1992: Divorce from Dickson Poon

In 1992, Michelle Yeoh divorced Hong Kong entrepreneur Dickson Poon.

1992: Returned to Acting with Police Story 3: Super Cop

In 1992, Michelle Yeoh returned to acting after her divorce, starring in Police Story 3: Super Cop.

1998: Dating Alan Heldman

In 1998, Michelle Yeoh began dating Alan Heldman, an American cardiologist.

2000: Engagement to Alan Heldman

In 2000, Michelle Yeoh got engaged to Alan Heldman.

July 2004: Engagement to Jean Todt

In July 2004, Michelle Yeoh got engaged to Jean Todt, then the general manager and CEO of Scuderia Ferrari.

2004: Met Jean Todt and Became Engaged

In 2004, Michelle Yeoh met Jean Todt in Shanghai and later became engaged, beginning a significant personal relationship.

2008: Became FIA's Make Roads Safe Campaign Ambassador

In 2008, Michelle Yeoh became an ambassador and leading campaigner for FIA's Make Roads Safe campaign, advocating for global road safety.

2013: Support for Najib Razak

In 2013, Michelle Yeoh expressed her support for Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak and the political coalition Barisan Nasional ahead of the Malaysian general election.

2015: Nepal Earthquake Relief Efforts

In 2015, after surviving the Nepal earthquake, Michelle Yeoh returned to the country to help rehabilitate affected people and donated 100,000 euros for victims.

2016: Goodwill Ambassador for UNDP

In 2016, Michelle Yeoh became a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the Sustainable Development Goals initiative, continuing her advocacy for important global causes.

2019: Residence in Geneva

As of 2019, Michelle Yeoh was living in Geneva, Switzerland, with Jean Todt.

2022: Favorite Authors and Fictional Hero Revealed

In 2022, Michelle Yeoh told Vanity Fair that Shakespeare and Stephen King were her favorite authors and that Tarzan was her favorite fictional hero.

July 2023: Marriage to Jean Todt

On July 27, 2023, Michelle Yeoh married Jean Todt in Geneva.

2023: Starred in A Haunting in Venice, Became IOC Member, and Spoke at Harvard Law School

In 2023, Michelle Yeoh starred in A Haunting in Venice, became a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and delivered a speech at Harvard Law School's class day, highlighting a diverse range of activities.