Much of Michelle Yeoh’s illustrious three-decade-long film career has been laid open for an adoring public. But who is the real woman behind the scorpion kick? Zaneta Cheng finds out
That Michelle Yeoh is nothing like the characters she plays on screen becomes increasingly evident as our day’s shoot proceeds. She’s smaller than you’d ever imagine and exceedingly lovely to be around.
Between shots, Yeoh catches up with those she knows around her. “I hope your mum is feeling better,” she says to an old industry friend, with evident concern. She’s just as easy among those she doesn’t know, so we slowly gather round and, before we know it, everyone’s talking about the latest app they’re playing with, whipping out their phones to show her their new obsessions, just as they’d do with their favourite auntie.
This is in stark contrast to her roles such as Eleanor Young, the steely matriarch of Crazy Rich Asians, and the solemn and fierce martial-arts characters she’s known for, from that in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon to her recent role in Ip Man 4. When I mention this, Yeoh’s response is easy and immediate. “But of course I’m not those characters. I’m an actor who’s stepping into different shoes and I hope that each time, I get the opportunity to explore a character that isn’t me. Because I don’t want my audiences to go, ‘Oh, that’s Michelle Yeoh playing whatever character in whatever movie, but it’s still Michelle Yeoh.’”
As it happens, “Michelle Yeoh” almost didn’t become the household name it is today. In her early Hong Kong movies, the Malaysian-born actress went by Michelle Khan, which a local studio considered more marketable to international audiences. “It’s quite a funny story when they did that Michelle Khan thing,” she recalls.
Esta historia es de la edición June 2019 de Prestige Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 2019 de Prestige Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Double Take
Although somewhat dismissed by the contemporary art world as gimmicky, works that incorporate optical illusions remain immensely popular with the general public. Perhaps it speaks to our inherent need for something slightly magical in our everyday lives.
Plugged Into Wealth
Fintech advocate Carney Mak is bullish on disruptive technologies, but preaches deep understanding of business models before diving in.
Going for Green
SIMON ROGAN's visionary approach of cooking in tune with nature is inspiring chefs in Asia to be more sustainable.
TABLES TURNED
They could have their pick of the best schools, but more young super achievers from Asia are going to a hotel academy a choice they believe opens up more doors.
PRECIOUS HISTORY
Cleef Arpel TACHA VASSILTCHIKOV res her insights the jewellery house Peers preserving its patrimony and Heritage.
MARKS OF DISTINCTION
A clasp-free necklace that could be easily put on by the wearer, without assistance.
Colours of the Season
Thanks to K-pop stars, analysing colours to personalise make-up has surged, with theslategs service available from the boutique of Korean. brity make-up artist JUNG SAEM MOOL.
MAKING OF AN OPUS
In Hermes’ Barénia, in-house perfumer CHRISTINE NAGEL has realised a decade-long dream that harks back to her childhood stories.
Everywhere Care
Serums from homegrown skincare brand Blé de Fonty target more than just the face.
Pucker Up
Lip moisturisers are essential in Singapore’s air-conditioned environment. We share our personal favourites and introduce lip care that go the distance.