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Cheng Pei-pei, the groundbreaking actress known for her roles in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Come Drink With Me,” passed away on July 17, 2024, at the age of 78. A trailblazer in martial arts cinema, Cheng’s contributions to the genre helped shape the portrayal of female warriors on screen.
Born on January 6, 1946, in Shanghai, Cheng moved to Hong Kong in 1962, where her ballet training led her to the Shaw Brothers studio. She gained fame for her role in King Hu’s “Come Drink With Me” (1966), which established her as a martial arts icon and set the stage for many future female-led action films in East Asia.
Cheng’s career spanned six decades and included significant works such as “Golden Swallow” (1968), “The Lady Hermit” (1971), and “Naked Weapon” (2002). Her portrayal of Jade Fox in Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000) revitalized her career, earning her critical acclaim and bringing her talents to a global audience. The film was a major success, grossing over $128 million in North America and winning four Oscars.
In the 1970s, Cheng relocated to California, where she balanced raising her four children with her studies at the University of California, Irvine. Her children followed her into the entertainment industry, with notable careers in acting and media.
Cheng continued acting well into her later years, with roles in “Lilting” (2014) and Disney’s live-action “Mulan” (2020). Her versatility and dedication to her craft earned her numerous awards and the admiration of fans worldwide.
Cheng was diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease in 2019, which she faced privately, choosing to spend her remaining time with her family. She donated her brain to the Brain Support Network for research, emphasizing her ongoing commitment to helping others.
Her family remembered her as humble, kind, and always generous with her time. Cheng Pei-pei’s legacy as the “Queen of Martial Arts” and her groundbreaking roles will continue to inspire generations to come.
