Michelle Yeoh

Actor

Name at birth: Yeoh Choo Kheng

Named Miss Malaysia in 1983, Michelle Yeoh went on to become one of Asia's top film stars. Known for action films -- and for performing her own stunts -- Yeoh became a Hong Kong favorite after landing a role in Yes, Madam (1985). She conquered American audiences with her scene-stealing roles in Jackie Chan's Supercop (1992) and the 1997 James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies. She was an even bigger hit alongside Chow Yun-Fat in the 2000 hit Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (directed by Ang Lee).

Yeoh studied ballet at the Royal Academy of Dance in London before her career was cut short by an injury. She joins fellow actress Jane Seymour in our loop on Ballet Castaways.

Other martial artists of the big screen: Bruce Lee and Jet Li.