Cheng Pei-Pei

Cheng Pei-Pei (鄭佩佩), born on December 4, 1946, and passing on July 17, 2024, was a prominent actress celebrated for her groundbreaking role in the iconic 1966 wuxia film, Come Drink with Me, directed by King Hu. This performance positioned her as one of the pioneering female action stars of her time. Throughout the 1960s, Cheng continued to captivate audiences with her portrayals of skilled swordswomen in various films, solidifying her legacy in martial arts cinema.

After a notable hiatus, Cheng made a significant comeback in the year 2000 when she took on the role of Jade Fox in Ang Lee's critically acclaimed Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. This performance reintroduced her to a global audience and highlighted her enduring talent. Cheng further showcased her skills in the 2004 television miniseries Watery Moon, Hollow Sky, which was later broadcast to Asian-American viewers under the title Paradise, where she played the character Long Po.

In her later career, Cheng collaborated with Zhouyi Media in mainland China, continuing to contribute to the film industry. Her impact on cinema, particularly in the martial arts genre, remains influential, earning her a revered place in film history.