Chinese-born Hollywood icon Cheng Pei-pei has tragically passed at the age of 78. The actress was a well-known face in the entertainment industry, with accredited roles in popular movies such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and Come Drink With Me. In the wake of the news of her passing, many fans are curious to know what happened to the veteran actress.
Here are all the available details regarding Cheng Pei-pei’s death.
Cheng Pei-pei passes away at 78, claims report
Widely considered to be cinema’s first female action hero, Pei-pei lost her life to a neurodegenerative disease, as confirmed by her spokespeople at Echelon Talent Management, as reported by the New York Times. She was diagnosed with the ailment in 2019 and battled health issues afterward.
The cause of Cheng Pei-pei’s death was a brain illness that mimics the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Unofficially labeled as Corticobasal degeneration, the sickness effectively dampens its patient’s abilities to move, speak, recall memories, and even swallow.
Cheng Pei-pei enjoyed spending time with her four children and her grandchildren, as per Variety. The actress also pledged her brain to a nonprofit organization called the Brain Support Network, which aids people diagnosed with neurodegenerative disorders. She also ensured that generous donations were made to the said institution.
Cheng Pei-pei’s family bid a tearful goodbye to the icon through an endearing public statement. Her daughters conveyed that their mother wanted to be remembered as the Queen of Martial Arts.
Pei-pei kicked off her acting career in Hong Kong in 1964. She quickly became one of the rising stars in the martial arts movie sector. She subsequently moved to the United States in the 1970s. Pei-pei immortalized her name in Hollywood with a stunning antagonistic performance in Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Having inspired several generations of aspiring actors, the Chinese actress established a lasting legacy during her career.
