Michelle Yeoh's Personal Struggle And Why She Feels Like A Failure

The actress spoke to BBC Radio 4 about not having started a family, saying this, "And I think the worst moment to go through is every month you feel like such a failure," she said. "And then you go, why? And I think at some point you stop blaming yourself. I go, there are certain things in your body that doesn't function in a certain way. That's how it is.”
She added, "You just have to let go and move on. And I think you come to a point where you have to stop blaming you."

Yeoh described the emotional journey of coming to terms with her body's limitations and the importance of letting go and moving forward. "You just have to let go and move on. And I think you come to a point where you have to stop blaming you," she added. It's something that many women today are facing up themselves!

Yeoh's infertility struggles also had a significant impact on her first marriage to businessman Sir Dickson Poon, from 1988 to 1992. She acknowledged that not having biological children was a major factor in their separation, stating, "because that also maybe would be the main factor that broke up my first marriage."

The actress emphasized the necessity of having open discussions about family planning early in relationships, recognizing that the inability to fulfill her husband's desire for a family contributed to their breakup. Despite their separation, Yeoh remains connected to Poon's family as the godmother of his first child.

Still, her glorious career is something to look back on with much pride. Michelle Yeoh’s career spans over four decades, with the Malaysian actress becoming an international icon thanks to her incredible versatility and impressive martial arts skills. She first gained fame in the 1980s with a series of Hong Kong action films, initially starting as a beauty queen before transitioning into stunt work. Her breakthrough came with the 1992 film 'Police Story 3: Super Cop,' where she starred alongside Jackie Chan. Her performance as a tough, skilled cop, "Inspector Jessica Yang," showed her to be a rising star in the action genre, and she quickly became known for performing her own stunts.

Yeoh's career took a significant turn in the late 1990s when she moved into more dramatic roles. In 2000, she starred in the globally successful martial arts epic 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.' As the fierce and elegant "Yu Shu Lien," her portrayal of a warrior bound by duty and love won critical acclaim and garnered international recognition. The film was a massive success, both commercially and critically, earning multiple Academy Award nominations and winning several major awards. Yeoh's performance established her as one of the leading actresses in world cinema, able to seamlessly blend action with emotional depth.

In the years that followed, Yeoh continued to work in a wide range of genres, proving her versatility. She played the role of "Elder" in 'Memoirs of a Geisha' (2005), a film set in Japan, where her refined portrayal of a dignified mentor earned praise. In 'The Lady' (2011), she portrayed the real-life figure of Aung San Suu Kyi, embodying the spirit of the Burmese political leader with grace and dignity.

More recently, she made history with her portrayal of "Evelyn Wang" in the genre-bending 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' (2022). The film was a massive success, earning Yeoh an Academy Award for Best Actress, cementing her status as one of the most influential and respected actresses in the world.

Yeoh's career continues to evolve, and she remains a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. From action films to dramatic roles, from historical figures to fantastical characters, she has proven time and time again that she is one of the most dynamic and beloved actresses in cinema. Her remarkable journey is an inspiring testament to her talent and dedication to her craft.

Today, Yeoh is married to French motor racing executive Jean Todt and has found a new sense of fulfillment. Although the thought of not having her own children still lingers, she cherishes her role as a grandmother through her stepson. "I'm 62. Of course I'm not going to have a baby right now, but the thing is we just had a grandchild," she shared, expressing her gratitude for the presence of a baby in her life. This new chapter has brought her a sense of blessing and happiness, despite the challenges she faced in the past.