History of Michelle Yeoh in Timeline

Michelle Yeoh is a Malaysian actress with a career spanning four decades. Initially credited as Michelle Khan, she gained fame in the 1980s and 1990s through Hong Kong action and martial arts films, notably performing her own stunts 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 a prominent figure in film and television.

Sections (4)

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

1988: Marriage to Dickson Poon

In 1988, Michelle Yeoh married Hong Kong entrepreneur Dickson Poon, known for his ownership of businesses such as Harvey Nichols and Charles Jourdan.

1992: Divorce from Dickson Poon

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

1998: Dating Alan Heldman

In 1998, Michelle Yeoh began dating Alan Heldman, an American cardiologist, and was eventually engaged to him.

1999: Jury Member at Berlin International Film Festival

In 1999, Michelle Yeoh was a member of the jury at the 49th Berlin International Film Festival.

2000: Engagement to Alan Heldman ends

In 2000, Michelle Yeoh's engagement to Alan Heldman ended.

April 2001: Awarded Darjah Datuk Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMP)

On April 19, 2001, Michelle Yeoh was awarded the Darjah Datuk Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMP), which carries the title Dato', by Sultan Azlan Shah, the Sultan of Perak, in recognition of the fame she brought to the state.

November 2002: The Outstanding Young People of the World (TOYP) (Cultural Achievement)

On November 25, 2002, Michelle Yeoh was honoured as The Outstanding Young People of the World (TOYP) (Cultural Achievement) by JCI (Junior Chamber International).

July 2004: Engagement to Jean Todt

In July 2004, Michelle Yeoh became engaged to Jean Todt, who was then the general manager and CEO of Scuderia Ferrari. They became engaged on July 26, 2004.

April 2007: Knight of the Legion of Honour

On April 23, 2007, French President Jacques Chirac conferred upon Michelle Yeoh the title of Knight of the Legion of Honour (French: Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur).

October 2007: Presentation of Knight of the Legion of Honour

On October 3, 2007, the Knight of the Legion of Honour decoration was presented to Michelle Yeoh in a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.

2008: FIA's Make Roads Safe campaign

In 2008, Michelle Yeoh became an ambassador and leading campaigner for FIA's Make Roads Safe campaign. She promoted safer road design at events worldwide, spoke at the United Nations General Assembly, Asia Development Bank, and World Bank, walked to promote traffic safety at the Formula One race, and launched the Call for a Decade of Action for Road Safety at an event in Vietnam. She also filmed a documentary on global road safety, Turning Point, which was shown on BBC World News.

March 2012: Officer of the Legion of Honour

On March 14, 2012, Michelle Yeoh was promoted to Officer of the Legion of Honour (Officier de la Légion d'honneur) by French President Nicolas Sarkozy at a ceremony held at the Élysée Palace.

May 2012: Awarded Darjah Seri Paduka Mahkota Perak (SPMP)

On May 22, 2012, Michelle Yeoh was awarded the Darjah Seri Paduka Mahkota Perak (SPMP) which carries the title Dato' Seri during the investiture ceremony in conjunction with the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah's birthday.

March 2013: Excellence in Asian Cinema award

In March 2013, Michelle Yeoh received the Excellence in Asian Cinema award during the 7th Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong.

June 2013: Awarded Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM)

On June 1, 2013, Michelle Yeoh was awarded the Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM) which carries the title Tan Sri during the investiture ceremony in conjunction with the birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.

November 2013: Chief Guest at International Film Festival of India

On November 30, 2013, Michelle Yeoh presided as the Chief Guest at the International Film Festival of India.

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.

2013: Executive Producer for Pad Yatra: A Green Odyssey

In 2013, Michelle Yeoh took on the role of executive producer for the project Pad Yatra: A Green Odyssey. The film recorded a journey of 700 people, led by the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa, to the perilous Himalayan mountain range, planting 50,000 trees, and educating villagers on environmental responsibility.

2015: Nepal earthquake relief

Following the 2015 Nepal earthquake, Michelle Yeoh, a survivor herself, returned to the disaster-hit country to assist in the rehabilitation of affected people and donated €100,000 for the victims.

February 2016: Officier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

On February 12, 2016, Michelle Yeoh was made an Officier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French ambassador to Kuala Lumpur, becoming the first Malaysian citizen to receive that honour.

2016: UNDP Goodwill Ambassador

In 2016, Michelle Yeoh became a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the Sustainable Development Goals initiative. She also joined UNDP's first-ever animal ambassadors to kick off the Pandas for the Global Goals campaign.

March 2017: Commander of the Legion of Honour

On March 27, 2017, Michelle Yeoh was promoted to Commander of the Legion of Honour (Commandeur) by François Hollande at the official residence of the French ambassador in Kuala Lumpur.

2019: Living in Geneva

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

2020: Included in BBC's 100 Women list

In 2020, Michelle Yeoh was included in the BBC's 100 Women list.

August 2022: Honorary Doctorate from American Film Institute

On August 13, 2022, Michelle Yeoh received an honorary doctorate of fine arts degree from the American Film Institute for her contributions to the art of the moving image, becoming the first Asian artist to receive the honour.

December 2022: Kirk Douglas Award

On December 9, 2022, Michelle Yeoh received the Kirk Douglas Award from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

2022: Favorite Authors

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

July 2023: Marriage to Jean Todt

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

January 2024: Crystal Award by World Economic Forum

On January 9, 2024, Michelle Yeoh was awarded the Crystal Award by the World Economic Forum for her role as a cultural leader and for her contributions to society as an exceptional artist.

May 2024: Presidential Medal of Freedom

On May 3, 2024, the White House announced that Michelle Yeoh would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honour, for continuing to shatter stereotypes and enrich American culture.

Nov 2025: Honorary Golden Bear Award Announcement

In November 2025, the Berlin International Film Festival announced that Michelle Yeoh will be awarded the Honorary Golden Bear in 2026.

2026: Honorary Golden Bear Award

Michelle Yeoh is awarded the Honorary Golden Bear in 2026 at the Berlin International Film Festival in recognition of her outstanding achievements in film and cinema.