Cheng Pei-pei is considered a pioneer of martial arts roles for female actresses. Now she has died after a long illness.
Cheng Pei-pei (1946-2024) revolutionized Chinese cinema at the age of 19 with her role in the Wuxia film “Come Drink With Me” (1966). She is considered a pioneer for female martial arts roles – now she has died at the age of 78. The actress died on July 17 in her home in San Francisco, USA.
“Legendary Queen of Martial Arts”
“Our mother Cheng Pei-pei wanted to be remembered as who she was: the legendary queen of martial arts,” the family said in a statement. She loved “being an actress and, despite her hard work, knew how lucky she was to have this career.”
Despite her decades of international success, Pei-pei was helpful, “humble and approachable, patient and kind and always generous with her time.” “We will miss her dearly,” the family concluded the statement. Pei-pei leaves behind four children and several grandchildren.
Your brain will be donated
According to the industry magazine, Cheng Pei-pei was diagnosed with a degenerative brain disease in 2019. It is a rare disease with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, but its progression cannot be slowed with current treatments.
Pei-pei decided not to make the diagnosis public, but to enjoy the remaining time with her children, the family reports. After her death, her brain will be donated to science for research purposes.
Pioneer of female martial arts roles
After her breakthrough in “Come Drink With Me,” Cheng Pei-pei became a major star in martial arts, action and sword fighting films. In 1970, she moved from Hong Kong to California, where she married and raised her children. She returned to film in 1986, and in 2000 her career experienced a new upswing with her role in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” alongside Michelle Yeoh (61). The film won four Oscars.
Most recently, Cheng Pei-pei was seen in the lead role in the British film drama Lilting (2014) and as a matchmaker in Disney’s live-action remake of “Mulan” in 2020.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
