Cheng Pei-Pei has sadly passed away.
The Chinese actress, who was considered a pioneer for martial arts roles for women, died on Wednesday (July 17) in the San Francisco Bay Area at the age of 78, Variety reports.
She was well known for roles in movies such as Come Drink With Me and the Oscar-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. She more recently appeared as The Matchmaker in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s Mulan.
Following the news of her passing, her Crouching Tiger co-star Michelle Yeoh took to Instagram to honor her late co-star.
“Heartfelt condolences to Pei Pei Jie’s family, friends and fans… we will miss your kindness and shining talent RIP ????✨,” Michelle wrote.
“To all her friends, colleagues, and fans, thank you for all the support you showed her over the years. Our mom Cheng Pei Pei wanted to be remembered for who she was: the legendary Queen of Martial Arts best known for her roles such as Golden Swallow (‘Come Drink With Me’), Madam Wah (‘The Flirting Scholar’), and Jade Fox (‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’). She was a versatile, award-winning actress whose film and television career spanned six decades, not only in Asia but internationally as well in roles such as ‘Junn’ (‘Lilting’), “Maria Wang” (‘Meditation Park’), and ‘The Matchmaker’ (‘Mulan’),” her family shared in a statement.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Cheng Pei-Pei‘s family and loved ones during this time. RIP.
