Michelle Yeoh is a Malaysian-born global superstar, who won her first Oscar at 60 years old. As a versatile actress, she can be identified as an action star, producer and cultural ambassador. Originally a ballet prodigy and beauty queen, she rose to bigger stardom in Hong Kong cinema. There, she would perform her own stunts. Yeoh proved that there’s nothing a woman can’t do if she puts her mind to it. Breaking into Hollywood as an Asian women in action roles, her most notable offerings include “Tomorrow Never Dies” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” Things took yet another turn when she evolved into an Oscar-winning leading lady with “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

A story of longevity and perseverance, Yeoh has built an estimated $40 million fortune through acting, production, endorsements and real estate. She’s done this while successfully serving as a representative for Asian women both on and off camera.

Michelle Yeoh Before Fame

Born August 6, 1962 in Ipoh, Malaysia, Yeoh was raised by a lawyer-politician father and a stay-at-home mother. Immediately feeling drawn to the art, Yeoh began ballet at 4 years old. By the time she turned 15 years old, her family relocated to England. She attended the Royal Academy of Dance in London, going on to earn a degree in Creative Arts in 1983. This was a major feat, as she had suffered a debilitating back injury that ended her ballet dreams. Returning to her homeland of Malaysia, she won Miss Malaysia World 1983 and performed in English-language commercials before landing her first break in Hong Kong film alongside the legendary Jackie Chan.

How Did Michelle Yeoh Become Famous?

Yeoh has always been a versatile performer. She debuted in action-comedy “The Owl vs Bumbo” in 1984, quickly becoming an one to watch. In the role, she performed all of her own stunts. After a brief retirement post-marriage in 1987, Yeoh made her big return in 1992’s “Police Story 3: Super Cop,” earning a well-deserved reputation as a fearless action star. Hollywood truly learned her name once her roles in “Tomorrow Never Dies”  and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” came along. The roles earned her a BAFTA nomination.

Acting

Yeoh has shattered glass ceilings and redefined what it means to be a “leading lady. Starring in films like “Memoirs of a Geisha,” and the very successful box office hits “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” she eventually earned an Oscar, Golden Globe and SAG Awards.

She’s also taken her talents to the smaller screen with television roles like “Star Trek: Discovery” and executive producer credits on projects like “The Brothers Sun.” Training with the Shen Yang Acrobatic team, one of the most defining aspects of Yeoh’s career is her fearlessness to take on crazy stunts. Her martial arts and ballet background remain integral to her dynamic screen presence.

Business Endeavors

Yeoh founded Mythical Films in 2002, a production company centered on platforming female-led and Asian stories, including “The Touch” and “Brothers Sun.” In addition to that, she holds a membership on the LVMH Asia advisory board, International Olympic Committee’s Culture & Heritage Commission, and Mission Blue. Through this avenue, she uses her voice and the depth of her experience to uplift and enact necessary change. Beyond that, she’s been the face behind lucrative brand deals, serving as a Guerlain skincare ambassador since 2011. She also owns a $5 million penthouse in Geneva and other properties in Ipoh, London, and Singapore.

What Is Michelle Yeoh’s Net Worth?

With so much time and diversity in her portfolio, it only makes sense that Yeoh’s earnings are impressive. As of 2025, her estimated net worth is approximately $40 million. The hefty amount is attributed to blockbuster paychecks, producer profits, endorsements, property assets and board roles. Her recent Oscar win came with a sizable salary increase by elevating her market value. It set her apart financially in global cinema. Yeoh went from an ballet aspirant and action star to Hollywood’s favorite Asian female lead and Oscar winner. With a strong academic foundation, she exemplifies longevity, representation and self-empowerment.

Does Michelle Yeoh Have Children?

No, Yeoh never had any biological children. However, she shared that she once hoped to start a family during her first marriage to Dickson Poon. Hoping to platform awareness surrounding women’s struggles with fertility, she has expressed grief over not having children and acknowledged how the inability to conceive has impacted her life. Luckily, she has found fulfillment with her role as a step-grandmother through her marriage to Jean Todt.

Is Michelle Yeoh in a Relationship?

Yeoh has been in a long-term partnership with Jean Todt, the former Ferrari CEO and motorsport executive, since 2004. The two tied the knot in July 2023 during a private yet beautiful ceremony in Geneva. Their relationship is rooted in mutual respect, with Yeoh often complimenting Todt’s work ethic. Prior to Todt, Yeoh was married to entrepreneur Dickson Poon, known for his ownership of businesses, such as Harvey Nichols and Charles Jourdan, from 1988 to 1992.

Does Michelle Yeoh Have a Degree?

The multi-hyphenate earned a Bachelor of Arts from Crewe & Alsager College, part of the Royal Academy of Dance, in 1983. During her time as a student, she worked on performance, choreography, and exploring many different creative avenues. Despite her injury cutting short her dance career, she retained formal training which later enabled her to excel in martial arts and bring that to life in her acting work.

Is Michelle Yeoh a Real Martial Artist?

While not formally a black belt, Yeoh trained intensively in wing chun and Wushu, talented enough to perform her own stunts in Hong Kong cinema. She has a deep respect for the craft and describes martial arts as a holistic daily practice akin to mindfulness, with deep physical and spiritual discipline. Yeoh also credits her ballet training for her seamless, powerful movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Michelle Yeoh have a twin sister? Michelle Yeoh is a fraternal twin. Her sister is Rachel Yeoh.

Is Michelle Yeoh Chinese or Korean? Michelle Yeoh is a Chinese Malaysian actress of Chinese ancestry.