Legendary actress Cheng Pei-pei, known for her iconic roles in martial arts films, has passed away at the age of 78 in San Francisco. Cheng, a pioneer of martial arts roles for female actors, rose to fame after starring in the critically acclaimed film Come Drink with Me in 1966.
Born in Shanghai in 1946, Cheng moved to Hong Kong in 1962 and quickly made a name for herself in the film industry. Her role as Golden Swallow in Come Drink with Me catapulted her to stardom at the young age of 19. Cheng went on to star in numerous martial arts films, becoming known for her fearless swordswoman characters.
In 2000, Cheng gained international recognition for her role as the villain Jade Fox in Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The film, which featured a female lead in a mainstream martial arts setting, became a global hit and won numerous awards, including Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.
Cheng’s influence extended beyond the screen, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers from East Asia to Hollywood to create female-driven swordplay films. Her legacy as the “Queen of Martial Arts” will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
Despite battling a neurodegenerative brain disease in private since 2019, Cheng continued to inspire those around her with her talent and grace. Her family has requested that instead of flowers, donations be made to the Brain Support Network, where Cheng donated her brain for research.
Cheng’s impact on the film industry and her dedication to her craft will continue to be celebrated for years to come. She leaves behind a lasting legacy as a trailblazer for female actors in martial arts cinema.
