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Cheng Pei-pei: A legacy of martial arts and cinematic brilliance
A pioneer in martial arts cinema
Cheng Pei-pei, the Chinese-born actor who revolutionized martial arts roles for female actors, has passed away at the age of 78. Known for her iconic roles in Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and King Hu’s “Come Drink With Me,” Cheng’s influence on the genre is immeasurable. Her death in the San Francisco Bay Area marks the end of an era, but her legacy continues to inspire.
From Shanghai to Hong Kong: The early years
Born in Shanghai on January 6, 1946, Cheng moved to Hong Kong in 1962. Her ballet and dance training quickly caught the attention of the iconic Shaw Brothers studio. Her feature debut was in the drama film “Lovers’ Rock,” but it was her breakout role in the 1966 crime action film “Come Drink With Me” that catapulted her to stardom. Directed by King Hu, the film set the tone for a sequel, “Golden Swallow” in 1968, and even inspired an unrealized remake by Quentin Tarantino. Watch the trailer for “Come Drink With Me”.
A family of entertainers
In the 1970s, Cheng relocated to San Francisco, where she raised four children and attended business school at the University of California, Irvine. Her children have also made their mark in the entertainment industry. Harry Yuan has been a host on National Geographic, while Eugenia Yuan, a former U.S. Olympic gymnast, has acted in films like ”3 Extremes II” and “The Eye 2,” and TV series such as “Secret City” and “Hawaii Five-O.” Watch the trailer for “The Eye 2”.
A career revival with “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”
Cheng’s career enjoyed a significant revival after her role as the poisonous Jade Fox in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” in 2000. The film won four Oscars and grossed $128 million at the North American box office, becoming the first foreign-language film to earn more than $100 million in the market. Watch the trailer for “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”.
A versatile actress across continents
Cheng’s subsequent career spanned both sides of the Pacific Ocean. She appeared in films like “Naked Weapon” alongside a young Maggie Q and Hyde Park Entertainment’s Capcom game adaptation “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li.” Watch the trailer for “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li”.
A family statement
“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’),” said a statement from her family. Watch the trailer for “Mulan”.
A private battle with a rare disease
In 2019, Cheng was diagnosed with a neuro-degenerative, atypical parkinsonism syndrome known as Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD). This rare disease has symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, but current treatments could not slow its progression. Cheng chose to keep her condition private, spending her remaining time with her children and grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, she requested donations be made to the Brain Support Network (BSN), where her brain was donated for research.
Reflecting on a legendary career
Cheng Pei-pei’s career is a testament to her talent, resilience, and pioneering spirit. From her early days in Hong Kong to her revival in Hollywood, she broke barriers and set new standards for female martial artists. Her roles in films like ”Come Drink With Me” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” will continue to inspire future generations. As we reflect on her life and career, we are reminded of the indelible mark she left on the world of cinema.
