Michelle Yeoh
Name at birth: Yeoh Choo Kheng
Named Miss Malaysia in 1983, Michelle Yeoh went on to become one of Asia's top film stars. Known for action films -- and for performing many of her own stunts -- Yeoh became a Hong Kong favorite after landing the lead role in the martial arts film Yes, Madam (1985). She conquered American audiences with her scene-stealing roles in Jackie Chan's Supercop (1992) and the 1997 James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies. As she matured into middle age and more subtly dramatic roles, she was an even bigger hit alongside Chow Yun-Fat in the 2000 hit Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (directed by Ang Lee). Her other films include The Touch (2002), Sunshine (2007) and 'The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008).
Extra credit: Yeoh was made a member of the French Legion of Honor in 2007... She has sometimes been credited as Michelle Khan.
Yeoh studied ballet at the Royal Academy of Dance in London before her career was cut short by an injury. She joins fellow actress Jane Seymour in our loop on Ballet Castaways.
Other martial artists of the big screen: Bruce Lee and Jet Li.