Renowned actress Cheng Pei-pei, celebrated for her iconic martial arts roles in films like “Come Drink with Me” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” has sadly passed away at the age of 78.
Her family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement on Facebook, revealing that Cheng had been battling corticobasal degeneration (CBD), a rare and progressive disease affecting brain cells and causing difficulties with movement, speech, memory, and swallowing.
Despite her health struggles, Cheng chose to keep her condition private and spent her final days surrounded by her loved ones.
Born in Shanghai in 1946, Cheng's journey to stardom began with ballet training before she ventured into the world of acting in Hong Kong. She honed her craft at Shaw Brothers Studio, a prominent film production company known for its kung fu films.
Cheng's illustrious career spanned over six decades, with notable roles in films like “The Last Woman of Shang” and “Lover’s Rock” before achieving widespread acclaim for her performance in “Come Drink with Me.”
She later made a mark in Hollywood with her role as Jade Fox in the Oscar-winning film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” showcasing her martial arts prowess and acting versatility.
Cheng's passion for action and fighting scenes was evident throughout her career, culminating in her final role as the matchmaker in the 2020 live-action adaptation of “Mulan.”
Her legacy as the “Queen of Martial Arts” and an award-winning actress will continue to inspire generations of fans and aspiring performers worldwide.
