Chinese actress Cheng Pei-pei made her acting debut in 1964 and is considered a pioneer of martial arts roles for female actors. Photos: China Press
Chinese actress Cheng Pei-pei, renowned for her roles in Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and King Hu’s Come Drink With Me, has died. She was 78.
The news was confirmed by her management company, Supreme Art Entertainment, on Friday (July 19).
In a statement, the agency revealed that Cheng died on July 17 in the United States, surrounded by her children and close family members.
It added that Cheng had been unwell in recent years but chose to keep her illness private.
“She had been focusing on managing her health and spending time with her family.
“Beyond her professional achievements, Pei-pei was an approachable, kind and patient mother who loved helping others,” it said.
According to Variety magazine, Cheng suffered from a degenerative brain disease and has donated her brain to medical research.
Born in Shanghai, China, on Jan 6, 1946, Cheng moved to Hong Kong in 1962 and made her debut two years later with the drama film, Lovers’ Rock.
She is considered a pioneer of martial arts roles for female actors and has acted in productions such as Golden Swallow, Brothers Five, How To Meet The Lucky Stars and more.
Cheng relocated to California, US, in the 1970s to raise her four children.
