Actress Cheng Pei-pei, who began her career in Hong Kong martial arts films and starred in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” and was considered one of history's first female action stars, has died at the age of 78, her family announced Friday.
Chen's family announced on his official Facebook page that he “passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on July 17th” after being diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease similar to Parkinson's in 2019.
Born in Shanghai in 1946, Cheng moved to Hong Kong in the 1960s and began working at the city's famed Shaw Brothers Studio, widely credited with popularizing kung fu films to audiences outside mainland China.
Her breakthrough came in 1966 when she played a female swordsman in “The Great Passage,” considered one of the greatest masterpieces of the “wuxia” genre of gladia films, which depict the adventures of martial artists set in ancient China.
Having worked steadily throughout the golden age of Hong Kong martial arts films, Chan gained international recognition in 2000 when Ang Lee cast her as Jade Fox in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Her last film appearance was in the 2020 live-action version of Disney's “Mulan,” in which she played the matchmaker to the eponymous heroine.
“Our mother wanted to be remembered as a legendary martial arts queen and a versatile, award-winning actress who worked in film and television for more than 60 years,” her family said.
Actress Michelle Yeoh, who played Chen's co-star in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” said in a statement: “My deepest condolences go out to Pei Pei Jie's (sister's) family, friends and fans.”
“I will miss your kindness and brilliant talent,” Yeo wrote on Instagram on Friday.
