19-7-2024 (SAN FRANCISCO) The world of cinema mourns the loss of a martial arts film legend as Cheng Pei-pei, renowned for her villainous role as Jade Fox in the critically acclaimed “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, has passed away at the age of 78.
The veteran actress, whose career spanned over five decades, died on Thursday in the San Francisco Bay area after battling degenerative brain disease. In a final act of generosity, Cheng donated her brain to medical research, potentially aiding future studies on neurological conditions.
Born in Shanghai in 1946, Cheng’s journey to stardom began when she relocated to Hong Kong in 1962. There, she joined the illustrious Shaw Brothers studio, where her background in ballet and dance proved invaluable in the realm of martial arts and action cinema.
Although Cheng made her silver screen debut in “Lovers’ Rock”, it was the 1966 wuxia classic “Come Drink With Me” that catapulted her to fame. Her graceful yet fierce portrayal in the film established her as a trailblazer in the male-dominated genre of martial arts cinema.
In the 1970s, Cheng’s life took an unexpected turn as she moved to San Francisco. Balancing her roles as a mother of four and a student at the University of California, Irvine, she temporarily stepped away from the limelight. However, her passion for acting never waned.
The new millennium brought a renaissance to Cheng’s career with Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning masterpiece “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” in 2000. Her portrayal of the vindictive Jade Fox not only showcased her enduring talent but also introduced her to a new generation of cinema enthusiasts worldwide.
Following this resurgence, Cheng continued to grace the silver screen with appearances in diverse productions such as “Naked Weapon”, “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li”, and Disney’s 2020 live-action remake of “Mulan”.
Film critic and Asian cinema expert, Dr. Sarah Wong, commented on Cheng’s legacy: “Cheng Pei-pei was more than just an actress; she was a pioneer who helped shape the landscape of martial arts cinema. Her ability to seamlessly transition between heroic and villainous roles, always with grace and power, was truly remarkable.”
