Cheng Pei-pei, the iconic Chinese actress known as the Queen of Swords, has passed away at the age of 78. She rose to fame in the 1960s as one of the first female action stars, making a name for herself in Shaw Brothers classics such as Come Drink With Me. Cheng's career spanned six decades, during which she starred in over 20 films for Shaw Brothers, including Princess Iron Fan and Golden Swallow.
One of Cheng's most memorable roles was as the villain Jade Fox in Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which brought her international acclaim. Her last major role was in Disney's live-action remake of Mulan in 2020.
Born in Shanghai in 1946, Cheng moved to Hong Kong in 1962 and joined Shaw Brothers Studios as a contracted player. She quickly became a star in the martial arts genre, known as wuxia, and was trained in martial arts, sword fighting, and horse riding as part of the studio's program.
Cheng's breakthrough came in the 1966 film Come Drink With Me, where she played the role of Golden Swallow, a skilled swordswoman on a mission to rescue her brother. The film, directed by King Hu, is considered a classic of the wuxia genre and helped popularize martial arts films both in Hong Kong and abroad.
Throughout her career, Cheng starred in numerous Shaw Brothers films, including The Jade Raksha, Dragon Swamp, The Lady Hermit, and The Shadow Whip. Despite facing challenges in the male-dominated industry, Cheng's talent and determination made her a legendary figure in martial arts cinema.
Cheng's family announced her passing on social media, revealing that she had been battling a rare neurodegenerative disease. Despite her illness, Cheng chose to keep her condition private and focus on spending time with her loved ones.
Cheng Pei-pei will be remembered as a trailblazer in the world of martial arts cinema, leaving behind a legacy of iconic performances and groundbreaking roles that have inspired generations of actors and filmmakers.
