It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the esteemed Chinese martial arts film icon, Cheng Pei-pei, at the age of 78. Cheng, widely celebrated for her role in Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” departed from this world on Wednesday at her residence in the San Francisco Bay Area, surrounded by her loved ones. Her family disclosed that her passing was a result of a rare illness with symptoms resembling Parkinson’s disease, known as neurodegenerative atypical parkinsonism syndrome. Despite undergoing various medical treatments, the disease continued to progress, prompting her to donate her brain for further research.
In a poignant Facebook post, Cheng’s family conveyed their mother’s desire to be remembered as the legendary Queen of Martial Arts, a versatile and award-winning actress with a career spanning over six decades, both in Asia and internationally. Throughout her life, her unwavering passion for her craft and her deep gratitude for the opportunities she had received were palpable.
Cheng Pei-pei ascended to stardom in the 1960s as she captivated audiences with her exceptional performances in martial arts films, cementing her status as a household name in Hong Kong’s film industry. Her iconic role in “Come Drink with Me,” directed by King Hu and released in 1966, solidified her reputation as a formidable talent in the world of Chinese cinema.
However, it was her portrayal of Jade Fox in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” that truly secured her legacy. Starring alongside industry luminaries Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh, Cheng captivated global audiences with her mesmerizing performance as a cunning and lethal martial arts expert. The film’s tremendous success, earning $128.1 million in North America and clinching four Academy Awards, propelled Cheng Pei-pei to international stardom.
More recently, Cheng graced the silver screen in Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Mulan,” which was released in 2020, further showcasing her enduring talent and versatility as an actress.
Survived by her three daughters and a son, Cheng Pei-pei’s legacy as a trailblazer in the world of martial arts cinema will forever be cherished. Supreme Art Entertainment, the company with which she was closely associated, paid tribute to her unwavering dedication to her craft and her endearing qualities as a mother.
Cheng Pei-pei’s remarkable impact on the world of cinema has left an indelible mark, and her contributions will continue to inspire future generations of performers and audiences alike. She will be deeply missed, but her influence will live on through the timeless artistry she brought to the silver screen.