[Source]
Cheng Pei-Pei, one of Asia's first female action stars, passed away peacefully at her home in San Francisco on July 17 at the age of 78. Her family said she had been battling corticobasal degeneration, a rare neurodegenerative disease similar to Parkinson's disease.
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A brilliant careerBeginning her illustrious career at Shaw Brothers Studio in Hong Kong, Chen is acclaimed for her groundbreaking roles in martial arts films such as Come Drink with Me (1966) and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000). With her career spanning more than six decades, Chen's final screen appearance was as the matchmaker in Disney's live-action remake of Mulan (2020).
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A rich heritage: As a pioneer of martial arts films, Cheng left a rich legacy with her contributions to both the Eastern and Western film industries. Her family wrote: “Our mother loved being an actress and worked hard, but she knew how lucky she was to have a career in acting. Our mother was humble, approachable, patient and kind, always generous with her time and trying to help others in any way she could. She will be truly missed.” Her family has requested donations be made to the Brain Support Network to support research into cures for neurological disorders.
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