History of Michelle Yeoh in Timeline

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.

1985: First Lead Role in Yes, Madam

In 1985, Michelle Yeoh secured her first lead role in the film Yes, Madam, marking a significant step in her early career in Hong Kong action cinema. She was also credited as Michelle Khan.

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.

1992: Starred in Police Story 3: Super Cop

In 1992, Michelle Yeoh starred in Police Story 3: Super Cop, further establishing her presence in action cinema. She would return to acting after a five-year hiatus from the screen.

1993: Starred in The Heroic Trio and Tai Chi Master

In 1993, Michelle Yeoh showcased her versatility by starring in two notable films: The Heroic Trio and Tai Chi Master, marking a busy and successful year in her career.

1994: Starred in Wing Chun

In 1994, Michelle Yeoh starred in Wing Chun, continuing her involvement in martial arts films.

1997: Starred in Tomorrow Never Dies

In 1997, Michelle Yeoh gained international recognition for starring in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, marking a significant milestone in her career.

1997: Played Soong Ai-ling in The Soong Sisters

In 1997, Michelle Yeoh played Soong Ai-ling in the award-winning film The Soong Sisters, adding to her diverse roles.

1997: Named One of the '50 Most Beautiful People in the World'

In 1997, Michelle Yeoh was recognized by People as one of the '50 Most Beautiful People in the World', acknowledging her beauty and fame.

1998: Dating Alan Heldman

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

1999: Member of the Jury at Berlin International Film Festival

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

2000: Engagement to Alan Heldman

In 2000, Michelle Yeoh got engaged to Alan Heldman.

2000: Starred in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

In 2000, Michelle Yeoh starred in Ang Lee's wuxia martial arts film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, a critically acclaimed role which earned her a BAFTA nomination.

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.

November 2002: Honored as The Outstanding Young People of the World (TOYP)

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

2002: Produced The Touch

In 2002, Michelle Yeoh produced her first English film, The Touch, through her own production company, Mythical Films, marking her venture into film production.

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.

2005: Starred in Memoirs of a Geisha

In 2005, Michelle Yeoh expanded her Hollywood presence by starring in Memoirs of a Geisha, continuing to build her international acting career.

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.

2007: Starred in Sunshine

In 2007, Michelle Yeoh appeared in Sunshine, further diversifying her roles in international cinema.

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.

2008: Starred in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

In 2008, Michelle Yeoh starred in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, alongside Brendan Fraser and Jet Li.

2008: Ranked Greatest Action Heroine

In 2008, Michelle Yeoh was ranked the greatest action heroine of all time by Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying her status in the action film genre.

2009: Listed as One of the '35 All-Time Screen Beauties'

In 2009, Michelle Yeoh was listed as one of the '35 All-Time Screen Beauties' by People magazine, further cementing her status as an iconic actress.

2010: Starred in True Legend and Reign of Assassins

In 2010, Michelle Yeoh appeared in two films, True Legend and Reign of Assassins, showcasing her continued presence in Chinese cinema.

June 2011: Blacklisted and Deported from Myanmar

In June 2011, Michelle Yeoh was blacklisted by the Burmese government and deported from Myanmar due to her participation in The Lady.

October 2011: Became Guerlain's Skincare Ambassador

In October 2011, Michelle Yeoh was chosen by Guerlain to be its skincare ambassador, strengthening the company's relationship with Asia.

2011: Voice Acting in Kung Fu Panda 2

In 2011, Michelle Yeoh lent her voice to Kung Fu Panda 2, expanding her portfolio into voice acting.

2011: Portrayed Aung San Suu Kyi in The Lady

In 2011, Michelle Yeoh portrayed Aung San Suu Kyi in the biographical film The Lady, a significant role that showcased her versatility as an actress.

March 2012: Officer of the Legion of Honour

On March 14, 2012, Michelle Yeoh was promoted to Officer of the same French order (Officier de la Légion d'honneur) by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

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.

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.

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 transitioned to the role of executive producer for the film "Pad Yatra: A Green Odyssey," documenting a journey through the Himalayas focused on environmental responsibility.

2015: First Television Role in Strike Back

In 2015, Michelle Yeoh made her television debut in Strike Back, playing Mei Foster, a North Korean spy.

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.

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.

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.

2016: Starred in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny

In 2016, Michelle Yeoh reprised a familiar genre by starring in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, continuing her involvement with martial arts films.

2016: Cast as Captain Philippa Georgiou in Star Trek: Discovery

In 2016, Michelle Yeoh was cast as Captain Philippa Georgiou in Star Trek: Discovery, a role she played for three seasons and that garnered critical acclaim.

March 2017: Commander of the Legion of Honour

On March 27, 2017, Michelle Yeoh was promoted to Commander (Commandeur) of the Legion of Honour by François Hollande.

2017: Starred in Star Trek: Discovery

In 2017, Michelle Yeoh began her role in the television series Star Trek: Discovery, which continued until 2020.

2018: Played Eleanor Young in Crazy Rich Asians

In 2018, Michelle Yeoh played Eleanor Young in Crazy Rich Asians, which was a successful film adaptation of Kevin Kwan's book.

2018: Starred in Crazy Rich Asians

In 2018, Michelle Yeoh played a supporting role in Crazy Rich Asians, a romantic comedy that became a cultural phenomenon.

2018: Starred in Master Z: Ip Man Legacy

In 2018, Michelle Yeoh starred in Master Z: Ip Man Legacy, contributing to the Ip Man film series.

2019: Residence in Geneva

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

2019: Starred in Last Christmas

In 2019, Michelle Yeoh appeared in Last Christmas, a romantic comedy, where she played a Christmas-themed store owner.

2019: Star Trek: Section 31 Spin-off Commissioned

In 2019, following the success of Star Trek: Discovery, a spin-off series starring Michelle Yeoh was commissioned, focusing on her character Emperor Georgiou.

2020: Star Trek: Discovery

In 2020, Michelle Yeoh continued her role in the television series Star Trek: Discovery.

2020: Included in BBC's 100 Women List

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

2020: Announced to Star in Ark: The Animated Series

It was announced at The Game Awards 2020 that Michelle Yeoh would star in Ark: The Animated Series, based on the video game Ark: Survival Evolved, playing Meiyin Li.

2021: Starred in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

In 2021, Michelle Yeoh joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

2021: Played Ying Nan in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

In 2021, Michelle Yeoh played Ying Nan in Marvel Studios' Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, adding to her diverse filmography.

March 2022: Starred in Everything Everywhere All at Once

In March 2022, Michelle Yeoh starred in Everything Everywhere All at Once, receiving widespread acclaim and numerous awards. She played Evelyn Quan Wang.

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.

December 2022: Kirk Douglas Award

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

2022: Starred in Everything Everywhere All at Once and Minions: The Rise of Gru

In 2022, Michelle Yeoh starred in Everything Everywhere All at Once, earning widespread acclaim, and also provided voice acting for Minions: The Rise of Gru.

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.

2022: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People and Icon of the Year

In 2022, Michelle Yeoh was named one of Time's 100 most influential people and was recognized as its Icon of the Year, highlighting her impact on the world.

January 2023: Star Trek: Section 31 Series Still 'In Development'

As of January 2023, the Star Trek: Section 31 series starring Michelle Yeoh was still 'in development', though later announced as a film.

July 2023: Marriage to Jean Todt

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

2023: Starred in A Haunting in Venice and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

In 2023, Michelle Yeoh featured in A Haunting in Venice and provided voice acting for Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.

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.

January 2024: Led The Brothers Sun on Netflix

In January 2024, Michelle Yeoh led the eight-part action comedy series The Brothers Sun for Netflix, which received generally positive reviews, marking another significant role in her career.

January 2024: Crystal Award by the 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.

May 2024: Cast in Blade Runner 2099

In May 2024, Michelle Yeoh was cast in a lead role as a replicant alongside Hunter Schafer in the Amazon science-fiction television series Blade Runner 2099, expanding her repertoire in futuristic roles.

May 2024: Presidential Medal of Freedom

On May 3, 2024, the White House announced Michelle Yeoh would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

November 2024: Starred as Madame Morrible in Wicked

In November 2024, Michelle Yeoh will star as Madame Morrible in the film adaptation of the musical Wicked.

2024: Starred in Wicked

In 2024, Michelle Yeoh is slated to appear in Wicked, a musical fantasy film, continuing her presence in major film productions.

2024: Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2024, Michelle Yeoh received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a prestigious honor recognizing her contributions and impact.

November 2025: Wicked Second Film Slated for Release

In November 2025, the second film adaptation of the musical Wicked, starring Michelle Yeoh, is slated for release.

December 21, 2029: Avatar 4 Release Date

On December 21, 2029, Avatar 4, where Michelle Yeoh will star as Dr. Karina Mogue, is set to release, marking her involvement in a major science fiction franchise.

2099: Blade Runner 2099

In 2099, Michelle Yeoh was cast in a lead role as a replicant alongside Hunter Schafer in the Amazon science-fiction television series Blade Runner 2099.