- Cheng Pei-pei has sadly died
- The news came as a shock to fans
- She had been battling THIS condition
Following an announcement that has left fans and the entertainment industry reeling, Cheng Pei-pei, the undisputed Queen of Martial Arts cinema, has died at the age of 78. The star, famed for her electrifying performances in classics like 'Come Drink with Me' and 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,' passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on July 17.
A Private Battle with CBD
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce that the rumors are true. Our mother, Cheng Pei Pei, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on July 17," her family wrote in a statement posted on Facebook Friday.
Cheng's family revealed in a heart-wrenching Facebook post that the actress had been living with corticobasal degeneration (CBD), a rare and progressive neurological disease. Despite the challenges, Cheng chose to keep her diagnosis private, focusing on her family and leaving her fans with memories of her vibrant career rather than her illness.
"She chose not to make this news public so that she could deal with her condition in private and spend her remaining time with her children and grandchildren," the statement reads.
"To all her friends, colleagues, and fans, thank you for all the support you showed her over the years. Our mom wanted to be remembered by how she was: the legendary Queen of Martial Arts… a versatile, award-winning actress whose film and television career spanned over six decades, not only in Asia but internationally as well," the statement continues.
Born in Shanghai in 1946, Cheng's journey from ballet student to international movie star is nothing short of cinematic. Her breakthrough role in 'Come Drink with Me' catapulted her to stardom, establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the martial arts genre.
Cheng's move to the United States and subsequent return to Hong Kong marked new chapters in her illustrious career, culminating in her role as the formidable Jade Fox in 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.'
Cheng's dedication to her craft and her ability to captivate audiences with her martial arts prowess made her a beloved figure in cinema worldwide. Her final appearance as the matchmaker in the 2020 live-action 'Mulan' movie was a fitting end to a career that spanned over six decades.
Cheng Pei-pei's impact on the film industry and martial arts cinema is immeasurable. As tributes pour in, her family's wish is for her to be remembered as the legendary actress and vibrant spirit she was. Cheng's legacy will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come.
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"I’m always up for a fight," Cheng once said, a sentiment that encapsulated her approach to both her career and her battle with CBD. The martial arts world has lost one of its brightest stars, but Cheng Pei-pei's legacy as the Queen of Martial Arts will live on forever.
