Photo: Thomas Laisné
Nearly 40 years into her acclaimed career, Michelle Yeoh is receiving her best reviews to date, for her performance in the genre-defying fantasyEverything Everywhere All at Once.
“Every time I make a movie, I hope the audience discovers something new about me,” the star, 59, tells PEOPLE in the latest issue.
“What I really enjoyed doing [inEverything Everywhere All at Once] was the physical comedy, which I’ve not really done before. You’ve seen me in martial arts films — I’m always serene. I know exactly what I’m doing. I am the teacher, the mentor. And suddenly in this one, [my character] Evelyn Wang, she knows nothing. She’s a very ordinary, aging housewife who’s got so many troubles in her head. It was really fun.”
The celebrated star is known for playing captivating superspy Wai Lin opposite Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond in 1997’sTomorrow Never Dies, the formidable warrior Yu Shu Lien in 2000’sCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragonand more recently the regal and unwavering Eleanor Young in 2018’sCrazy Rich Asiansand the fierce Ying Nan in Marvel’s 2021 hitShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
She says she feels encouraged and excited about this moment in her career — both for the varied opportunities she has had and what it means for other Asian actors.
“What [is special about] this moment in my career is having so many people who look like me, especially the younger generation [of Asian actors], come up to me and say, ‘Finally, I can see myself doing all these kinds of things because you are doing it,’ " she says. “We have to stand up for ourselves and be courageous enough to have a voice. We deserve a voice. I think at this point in my career, that is what I’m really enjoying: the fact that we are getting more opportunities and the opportunities we deserve.”
Jamie Lee Curtis and Michelle Yeoh inEverything Everywhere All at Once(2022).Allyson Riggs
For much more on Michelle Yeoh, pick up the latest issue ofPEOPLEon newsstands Friday
The Malaysia-born actress says when it comes to thinking about her work and what else she would like to accomplish, she prefers to go with the flow versus making to-do lists.
“When I was younger, I used to make that to-do list and cross it off and feel like I had accomplished something,” she says. “But [now] I find that limiting. Sometimes you stop listening or seeing the things that are around you. So that’s what I do now: I go with the flow. Because especially in our line of work, you don’t know what amazing directors are going to pop around the corner and say, ‘Well, I really like your work, and I’d love to work with you.’ So I don’t make lists anymore.”
Tackling the various and unexpected challenges involved with makingEverything Everywhere All at Oncewas incredibly gratifying for Yeoh, who became fast friends with her costar and new fanJamie Lee Curtis.
“Michelle gives one of the great performances onscreen ever,” raves Curtis. “Her ability to dodge in and out of multiple dialects and physical comedy and real drama and wacky sci-fi martial arts stuff — all seemingly effortlessly — is really quite jaw-dropping and thrilling to behold.”
Yeoh returns the compliment to Curtis, whom she calls “the most generous, amazing woman, not just a brilliant artist talent.” She adds, “But she brings her heart and soul she’s so giving and always kind and thoughtful to everyone around her.”
Looking ahead, the actress says she keeps an open mind and positive outlook on what she gets to do and will do in the future.
Everything Everywhere All at Onceis now playing in theaters.
source: people.com
