Michelle Yeoh talks about her early career and why Jackie Chan is afraid of her

Michelle Yeoh stopped by Alamo HQ to talk to us about her new movie EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE. During the conversation she told the entire story of how she transitioned from being a dancer and a beauty queen to being an action movie star in the two year period between 1983-1985.
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[@The482075]

So let me get this straight. Dancer, swimmer, squash player, actor, long distance runner, beauty queen and martial artist. Talk about doing everything, everywhere all at once.

[@msdsplayground8360]

She's also married to the president of Formula 1 racing

[@tonuahmed4227]

She is shojo female MC Edit: the allrounder one

[@jabberwock6]

she's not married

[@yragcom1]

I see what you did there.

[@1997residente]

@@msdsplayground8360 Not married. They are a couple since 2004, though.

[@Cherry16860]

Ran into Michelle Yeoh once in a Art exhibit in HK. Immediately you can see she is a true star. As much as I wanted to ask her for a picture, I still noticed that she was with family so I didn’t want to interrupt their family day. She is such a cool artist that represent a good role model that tell the world that woman can do a lot too.

[@zu_1455]

Classy move. The world is small. I once asked my sigung if he knew about Bow-sim Mark (Donnie Yen's mother) and he said, "Oh yeah, I hosted for her when she came to visit Boston...I remember little Donnie." Blew my freaking mind.

[@GLUFSAREN]

Most of them don't mind if you come up to them and say that you like them and think they are an inspiration and such, as long as you don't stick around like some do and follow them around such. It's usually fine.

[@lay7821]

here in India she would probably have been grabbed for a picture

[@bhimsenluchooman4046]

@Katie Wong. No problemo. You can have still take a selfie with me.

[@richardangers2566]

I was in Resorts in Atlantic City. The restaurant had a band, and it played the theme from the Honeymooners. J Gleason was eating dinner, gave a wave to the conductor. I left him to his diner and evening.

[@tarmaque]

"Only two women I'm afraid of, and one of them is Michelle." What a boss statement! Clearly a compliment too.

[@warrenleezy]

Who's the other woman? Maggie Q? 😆

[@warrenleezy]

Cynthia Rothrock? 😆

[@tarmaque]

@@warrenleezy We could go for filling out the heroic trio: Maggie Cheung and Anita Mui.

[@tarmaque]

​@@warrenleezy I remember scouring video stores in the 90's for Cynthia Rothrock movies to watch, but for some reason I don't remember any of them,

[@mysticdreamworks]

@@warrenleezy probably his Mum. Everyman not only respect, but also fear of his mum. I bet jackie chan mum is the one lol.

[@joelconolly5574]

Never realised how dazzling she was in her youth. Such an honour to have such an elegant and powerful woman who made a lot of strife to try out an unknown stage and made her pretty great at what she's doing now. Definitely a great woman overall.

[@lomokbernthurg9679]

I am in awe too. This woman got many faces . I love her

[@sheikhmohammedbinsaudalqas697]

Hi Joel, May i please have a word with you

[@joelconolly5574]

@@sheikhmohammedbinsaudalqas697 ??

[@jonplaud]

That short hair just does it for me.

[@AshNair26]

I met her once a number of years back in her penthouse in Malaysia. We pitched a project to her. She is everything you expect her to be… beautiful, poised, down to earth, smart and incredibly warm. I am so happy she got a chance to make this film and show everyone that she’s more than just an action star, but is capable of playing characters with range and emotional depth.

[@theoutlook55]

Did you now? What was the project, if I can ask? That's so lovely to see someone famous being so warm.

[@friktionrc]

@@theoutlook55 agreed - would love to know more, not so much interested in 'dirt' just what the ptoject was, what she thought, her ideas/input etc etc..She srikes me as a lady who can have a great impact on any script/movie she was involved with.

[@j.a.h.vandelaak3477]

I also met her once in an elevator and had a little talk, she was super friendly and classy.

[@javieleetoo2213]

I was there that day …but I don’t remember you 🧐

[@karldubelheimer3959]

This woman aged like fine wine. Just wow... Still remember falling in love with her when I was a little boy watching HK flicks.

[@SeattleSandro]

How has Michelle Yeoh not become even bigger? She's beautiful, smart, articulate, accomplished, and a bad-ass role model for girls and women. Did you see her in Star Trek: Discovery? She was so awesome as Captain/Empress Georgiou. She needs to come back to Star Trek in some way.

[@SolWake]

Pretty sure they're still working on her own Star Trek show: Section 31

[@missniney9970]

She is the queen from another land..she is the biggest in HK but born in Malaysia, she is the biggest in Hollywood but came from china, and she is the biggest in the world but she is Asian..this complex do exist..deal with it..I'm? I'm proud of Michelle, there will never any actor who as all rounded as her.

[@jaywhite1850]

@@SolWake Man, I hope so. One of the few (and I stress FEW) enjoyable things about the Paramount + Trek universe.

[@FranzBazar]

She’s a megastar in Asia

[@marcosdheleno]

@@missniney9970 i dont know if THE biggest is right, but she is certainly a queen no matter what she does, drama, action or comedy. i dont think there are many other women that could pull off what she does as well as she does. and even if she isnt the best at those things, like i said, i dont think there are any as capable as her in all of them.

[@antoniotungpalan2849]

I am a big fan of Jackie Chan and so when I started notice of Ms Michelle khan " she's identified then as Michelle khan during her early movies with Jackie Chan. " since then her being so good in martial arts really captivates me and became one of her avid fans. Thank you for featuring her in your show. My best regards and congratulations to all your success. I'm Antonio Tungpalan your avid fan from the Philippines 🇵🇭

[@jean-paulaudette9246]

i've seen a couple of interviews with this lady (and several films), and I gotta say, my respect for her just keeps rising. I'm really glad I've had the opportunity to be around while her work is current.

[@elthe3rd]

I love how she said that it's important to her to be strong and athletic but still be feminine.

[@projectlimitless5898]

Her personality is both regal and down to earth.

[@mengzeli7563]

I thought she was from Hong Kong until my Cantonese friends told me she had an accent. It's just amazing how she did all the things she mentioned. I have watched most of her movies and I actually admire her effort. please make more movies.

[@neilwritesstuff]

I've only watched Michelle Yeoh in one role (Crazy Rich Asians) and I immediately loved her. You can just tell that a legend graced your screen even when you know absolutely nothing about her.

[@aestechtv]

This editing is so on point, all the right references, timing. So much effotrts to a short interview, and it makes the video very enjoyable to watch, good job editor!

[@sitandchill2897]

YESS QUEEN! greetings from the Philippines!! When are you next visiting us Ate Michelle? Thanks for empowering so many people here with your good works and talks! Salamat po! Youre one of the shinhng stars of our region, we are all so proud and celebrate your journey!

[@warrick3w881]

This brought back memories of my childhood. My father made me watch all these movies...good times 😊😊

[@Lori-lp6uc]

She can portray any character type. She's so intelligent and versatile.

[@abevillanueva1974]

I've really become a HUGE fan more and more learning about Michelle's history and now I would love to watch her earlier movies. She is a most BEAUTIFUL, talented, intelligent, graceful, and athletic entertainer. She is one of the few that have even become more physically beautiful as she ages. IMUA Michelle! An Amazon Woman indeed!

[@brandonhenderson2212]

I grew up watching Michelle Yeoh's movies&still watch what she stars in to this day! Exceptional&amazing woman! She deserves a lot of credit frfr

[@jbjacobs9514]

That commercial with Jackie is priceless!

[@GravyTraining]

Have loved her in movies for at least 20 years. I didn't realize just how worldly she started out, that's cool!

[@blazzing]

I won't be the first, or last person to say this- I love Michelle Yeoh

[@Clintdaddy412]

Michelle Yeoh is an absolute legend love her 💯

[@jp3813]

Hollywood made female action heroes: Ellen Ripley, Sarah Connor, Beatrix Kiddo, Imperator Furiosa, Trinity, etc... Hong Kong made female action stars: Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Rothrock, Yukari Oshima, Moon Lee, Cynthia Khan, etc...

[@pero02review47]

She still saying local languange casually (malay) such "aduh" 04:35 stand for ouch but in the way of shy 😅 proud of you Dato' Michelle. Very humble superstar.

[@jimkirk4357]

Michelle Yeoh was the best thing about Star Trek Discovery. Stopped watching when she left. Her screen presence is amazing. I hadn't seen her in anything until then. I've since watched several of her movies and wow she's incredible! Please please stay in Star Trek. Modern ST needs you SO much.

[@korger1481]

I know. Not the same without her😞

[@th4nat0s]

fun fact: Karen Mok's final hallway fight scene in Yuen's 2002 film "So Close" was a self-homage to his earlier work in Yes, Madam (particularly the glass plate breaking maneuver @ 7:10). he even got the leads (Karen, Shu Qi, Zhao Wei) to dress up like Michelle in Yes, Madam!

[@cyborgchicken3502]

Someone knows their Hong Kong action film trivia I see...are u perhaps a fellow connoisseur of the Hong Kong film industry?

[@Rouge_Ice]

Oh, didn't know that. So that's why that glass plate breaking maneuver looked familiar. And yes, I can now see that the female leads did dress up like Michelle. I love "So Close". It's one of those films that you would never get tired of watching over and over again.

[@nabi5864]

I'm extremely impressed how she didn't touch her face with any procedures what so ever as most Asian female celebs would

[@quiddy]

Sh, along with Yukari Oshima (Cynthia Luster), and Moon Lee were the first women to start the female action flicks in HongKong. She approached it from the dance perspective, while Oshima and Lee actually had martial arts pedigree. Cynthia Rothrock also help popularize this genre. She was "forms" black belt , which meant her skill was more dance and non-combat. Cynthia used double stuntmen in her tougher stunts but all 3 Asian women did their own stunts and actually suffered injuries at times from these stunts.

[@haddow777]

I've always loved her voice, but now am so much more amazed by her. Those were awesome moves.

[@redpassionmark4113]

I love her and all that she does. She never disappoints. Such a wonderful human being.

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

I didnt recognise her in those early films when I watched them years ago. She's been in everything. Cheers

[@Me-MyArmy]

She’s one of my favorite actresses. So impressive ❤️

[@suburbohemian]

LOVED Supercop when it came out! Adored her again across from Pierce Brosnan in the Bond film. Forget Halle Berry's Jinx, it was Michelle's character that I would prefer to see return.

[@DaveBuford]

Being a kid who grew up in the 80s, Michelle Yeoh was the first Asian woman crush. Not to mention, for some reason, I found Asian women in Kung Fu movies fascinating to watch in fight scenes as a kid. Still do.

[@曾憲祥-c5q]

We used to dances at Serf Disco Ipoh when she was still schooling. I will jokingly called her Ling Ching Sia and had look of a film star but never thought she will be an actress and more famous than Ling. The day she won Miss Malaysia and later when go on a her father antique car on a street parade in Ipoh with antique vehicle organize the City Mayor and she look so beautiful at her teen.

[@masterpoe4942]

Been a fan of miss Yeoh for the better part of 30 yrs. Very talented, classy & inspirational woman.

[@sov3cd]

Been a fan since Super Cop! Not once did she feel out of place in the action scenes & her acting was phenomenal! Truly an icon

[@donianderson449]

So I grew up with Michelle on screen and I am still with Michelle.

[@tiniali1963]

Back then, way back then before all the k-pop phenomenon, Hong Kong's production was the thing in South East Asia. During my teenage life in the 80's and 90's, I was exposed with a lot of Hong Kong's drama and movies. Michelle Yeoh was and still is one of my favourites. The movie Wing Chun was my personal favourite...she acted with Donnie Yen in that movie..

[@ThePaulchong33]

Michelle Yeoh, as a pretty sweet school girl of 16 from Ipoh Malaysia, was already setting her eyes on the lamplight. She won her first Beauty Queen 1970 Lions Club Motor Show & then on to winning the Miss Malaysia title. The rest is history.

[@theleopard3310]

You probably meant 1980. Michelle was only around 8 years old in 1970.

[@JazzyJ5G]

I must have seen Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, 13x in the theater! I would lose it almost every time at the end Li Mu Bai died; her raw emotion in that scene felt so real; and her character's self control and stoic dignity afterward. Wow! What a woman!

[@arielargo]

Her new movie Everything Everywhere All at once is a masterpiece! Loved it!

[@coolcat8b]

Ms. Yeoh is a true class act. And some kind of real-life Wonder Woman. 🥰

[@robertsothmann8110]

I've had a 25 year crush on her... magnificent actress and cool AF in every role.

[@stanleykub248]

Michelle is amazing on all aspects. Smarts, talent, beauty. Love her

[@scottbanks4906]

one of my favourite actresses, her diversity and commitment are amazing

[@colin1235421]

"Star Fleet doesn't fire first'' - one of my favorite moments of her on TV.

[@johnwesley3885]

Never missed an opportunity to see a film starring Michelle Kahn/Yeoh.

[@igorsenayoutube]

This is an actual strong, powerful woman. Not the typical women these days who never acomplished anything and think that just because they are beautiful it means they are powerful, strong, etc If only more women looked at this lady instead of instagram models...

[@shongueesha7875]

Are you ok?

[@khrashingphantom9632]

Amazing! Amazing! Easily one of my favorite actresses of all time! Action, drama, comedy, ect you name she does/has done it. So I apologize for being (sophomorically) distracted by her first "boss's" name. Dickson Poon?!! Really?! That's his real name?! ROFL. Seriously though this was great. I could watch a whole hour of her jus talking about films alone and not get tired. Thanks for posting.

[@SilTintellect]

Supercop was my introduction to Michelle Yeoh and fell in love her as an action star from that day

[@passerby883]

I'm so proud of having a malaysian woman-boss representing us asians🥹💕

[@fw1421]

Michelle has the nicest smile.❤️❤️

[@Calida]

Omg the movie where Michelle was a short haired cop! She was soooo cool! I remember renting VHS tapes of her early movies, she is just so captivating! 😍

[@sweetnighter72]

I really missed her on Star Trek Discovery this past season. I watched it to see her. As a child I did the same thing in watching the Green Hornet. I wanted to see Bruce Lee.

[@Maizyk10]

I've loved Michelle ever since Twin Dragons with Jet Li. She's an incredible performer. Looking forward to seeing her most recent film.

[@rociojuarez5489]

I LOVE Michelle. She's such grace and strong feminine figure that believe still in feminine but tough female roles. She's brilliant.

[@guyallen8844]

I just watched Police Story and Yes, Madam! Excellent films, I'm glad Michelle Yeoh is in so many new films today.

[@enigmo20]

Michelle Yeoh is a world class act that is timeless and can never be replicated. She has it all and is all. :) Much respect to her and her awesome career.

[@CliffHuxtableSweater]

She’s one of those actors/actresses you kinda don’t notice in movies but then get older and one day you’re like “this chick is n EVERYTHING!” 😂 She’s def a monster! Crouching tigers is prob my fav of her movies. Smart Elegant woman.

[@hanslidlwagen4115]

One of my childhood crushes. I still find her pretty even today.

[@VegitoDestroyer]

Remember that Michelle is only a ballet dancer b4 she started this career, she willing to put lot of efforts to learn some small stunts and also martial arts from Sammo hung during those years, you don't really find much of dedicated actress like her these days, the only Hollywood actress that comes to my mind is Chloe (hitgirl from kick ass 1/2) and the recent one is Zhang Meng'er (shang chi's sister). Not to take away credits from both actress but the gap between Michelle and them still quite huge.

[@erikramaekers63]

Chloe is a trained martial artist and has impressive weapon skills.I believe she's a black belt but i don't know in which martial art.

[@VegitoDestroyer]

@@erikramaekers63 i actually referring to their dedication, just like keanu reeves, tom cruise etc

[@chicojcf]

I really enjoy the way you embrace your character on screen.

[@kaitofuuma]

i really love her ideology the women being strong doesn't mean they have to be extra masculine looking, being strong while also looks feminine also important. If she's not one the best example of feminism then I don't know what else.

[@dandelionwishes1276]

All this time ive been watching Michelle yeoh!? Damnnn

[@michaelpisciuneri]

Michelle is still absolutely stunning . What a beautiful and talented woman. I can’t wait to see everywhere all at once

[@tiobi6633]

holy moly, didn't know about Jean Todt , haha. I'm a f1 fan since the 90's, he was at Ferrari as team principal alongside Schumacher back then. Golden age of the italian team. Now he's with Michelle Yeoh. Living the life ;)

[@johnafirth]

I remember seeing Cynthia talk about her time in Hong Kong, and some of the stunts they were doing were gnarly. Same as the guys, only without the years of experience at bouncing off table edges and through glass. Still, they made for awesome films.

[@Bobalicious]

I always enjoy Ms. Yeoh's movies. In fact, I'm going to see one tomorrow.

[@THEBANDIT7979]

Love her so much. Versatile actress.

[@cable30]

So cool to learn alot about a actor or actress and see stuff they done and make u wanna see the movies anytime.

[@vanhattfield8292]

Michelle Yeoh has been near the top of my "hottie" list since I first seen her and remains thee to this day... Gorgeous and talented...

[@wazihawahid5815]

It's funny but i've seen almost all her movies in that clip....but then i love watching hong kong movies esp the comedy one....michelle yeoh definitely a legend

[@jenniferchiang8759]

I really respect her a lot by staying true ! Nothing can replace the fire in our soul and it helps us move forward with goals Michelle Yeon is a total modern woman 💃❤

[@beslemeto]

Man i was in love with Michele since i was 10. In Yes Madam and Royal Warriors she was so beautiful with that short hair.The movies were just mind bowing.

[@jopac4742]

Thanks for posting

[@leonidas480bc]

I’ve loved her work for years

[@raf1717]

I NEVER KNEW SHE IS MALAYSIAN.. This shooketh me to the core..

[@jeffreyakhuetie5937]

I really enjoyed this conversation. She is definitely a legend, no argument about that.

[@sally3969]

She has aged so beautifully and is still so active and in high demand in her career. Still far from sunset!

[@paulezeprince4139]

Michelle is such and amazing and outstanding Actress in the movie industry, i love watching her movies.

[@reinaldocruz1007]

Great interview...Greetings to Michelle from Puerto Rico... 🇵🇷

[@jameskatu6339]

Both Jackie & Sammo were schooled at The Peking Opera School that taught them Martial Arts, Chinese Opera-including acting, singing & acrobatics Jackie also studied in Australia for a time

[@Viewer13128]

i think she meant formal education. Jackie and Sammo were doing inhumane hardcore slave training which is not a proper post secondary educational institute.

[@gragrn]

Yes but they weren't trained in movie making. They had to learn on the job, that was the point Michelle was making.

[@kilipaki87oritahiti]

Grew up watching Jackie Chan and Michelle🥰🥰🥰

[@Littletime839]

3:24 "Jackie, save me, save me!" 😅

[@louiskeep1832]

I have watched 100s of kung-fu films and probably my favourite fight of all is that duel between Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi in Crouching Tiger - Yeoh was fantastic in that film!

[@dinelmao]

Does anyone know what Michelle's eyewear brand is?

[@WashingtonDC20032]

Her voice is so soothing!

[@Deathcroak]

Twin warriors/tai chi master, loved her in that movie!

[@rowanstarling3816]

I love Michelle Yeoh! I can't wait to see her in "Everything Everywhere all at Once" :) she is so poised, humble and gracious.

[@Je_suis_Jefe]

She is a legend

[@aduad]

Yes madam probably still has some of the best fight scenes by women till this day....very underrated!

[@jackdbd]

"you have to remember, I'm quite fit". Rest assured Michelle, we noticed.

[@spinebuster9490]

I loved her in Royal Warriors (1986)

[@SKEEZOTHEREALSKEEZO]

A legend!!!! I have to catch up on all these film's she's been a part of

[@usopmys9372]

Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh,conquered 2 film scene,Hollywood and Hong Kong. The pride of malaysia👍

[@dnavl]

Brilliant actress, fell in love with her in Tai Chi Master (Twin Warriors)

[@missluna]

I fell in love with her in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

[@paradoxrip]

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Dojo fight scene one of my all time favorites in any martial arts film.