Michelle Yeoh receives Walk of Fame star, reflects on journey from Malaysia
Michelle Yeoh is leaving a permanent mark on Hollywood, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Introduced by acclaimed directors Ang Lee and Jon M. Chu, the Malaysian-born actress took the stage in Hollywood on Wednesday, calling the moment "insane and surreal" as she was surrounded by friends, fans and what she described as her "chosen family."
Yeoh rose to international prominence in 1990s Hong Kong action films before becoming a global star, with credits spanning "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "Tomorrow Never Dies," "Crazy Rich Asians" and Marvel's
"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."
In 2023, she made history as the first Asian performer to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her acclaimed role in "Everything Everywhere All at Once."
Lee, who directed Yeoh in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" -- which won four Academy Awards in 2001 -- praised her as a "great movie star," highlighting her talent, professionalism and dedication.
Meanwhile, in his remarks, Chu, who directed her in "Crazy Rich Asians" and the "Wicked" films, applauded Yeoh as a "beacon of hope and possibility," reminding the audience that she made history with her Oscar win.
"(The Oscar was) a career win, but even more so a generational shift, making a fact that no one can dispute," Chu said.
Reflecting on her upbringing in Malaysia, Yeoh said she never dreamed of having her own star on Hollywood Boulevard.
She added that she felt "fortunate" to be part of stories that cross borders and languages, before thanking her colleagues, fans and family for supporting her throughout her career.
"The star may have been one way, but it represents so many people who made this journey possible," she said. "I hope it also reminds someone, somewhere, that it is possible. That where you begin does not define where you can go."
"Once I was a little girl from Malaysia, sitting under the vast sky, looking up at a single steady star, and daring to believe that I could follow," she added. "And now there's one on the ground!"
Yeoh also dedicated the honor to her mother and her late father, saying, "This is our star."
"And thank you to each and every one of you for being here, showing your love and support to me all the way, always," she added, drawing applause and a standing ovation from guests in attendance.
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