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TAN Sri Michelle Yeoh was given a roaring welcome back to Malaysia today during her first public meet-and-greet session after winning an Oscar last month for her role in Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.
Yeoh was greeted by thousands of fans as she walked down the red carpet at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur earlier this evening. Her eager fans were seen waiting at the shopping complex hours ahead of her arrival, many with handmade souvenirs, cards, and flowers to be gifted.
The 61-year-old Ipoh born actor took her time to oblige her fans with selfies and autographs, as she was accompanied by her partner Datuk Seri Jean Todt and niece Vicki Yeoh.
Khoo, 50, travelled with his wife all the way from Ipoh for an opportunity to see the actress in person, said: “I have been her fan for a long time, since her role in Police Story. She is an amazing actress, and makes me proud that we share the same hometown."
Earlier today, she held a press conference with members of the media, during which she revealed that she hopes to work alongside many of the talented filmmakers in the country and help elevate the industry in any capacity she could.
“A lot of times we box ourselves in our comfort zone where we just deal with our own market. When you make a movie, it should be global. It should not be for this or for that. That’s when you speak a global language and that’s what we strive to do continuously.
“I know there are amazing filmmakers from this part of our world. First of all, we have to create opportunities for them. We have to create platforms that will showcase their talents. I do want to work very closely with heads of studios here, people who can make the change and push the path forwards,” she said.
She added that she hopes to make a Malaysian-Hollywood film down the road.
“I believe in thinking big and going all out to achieve my dreams. Anything is possible if we put our heart and soul into it. And it's always been one of my dreams to make a movie that's a Malaysian and Hollywood collaboration. Our country has many interesting and inspiring stories to share with movie fans worldwide.”
When asked what advice she has for aspiring filmmakers and actors, she said, “Always always show up. It’s perseverance. It is hard work. It is to keep pushing the envelope and hopefully you will meet storytellers, especially producers, people who are able to make the change who have the vision and foresight,” adding that she would not take on roles that are stereotypical or that typecasts her.
Yeoh returned to Malaysia last week in time for Qing Ming celebrations to pay her respects to her late father, Datuk Yeoh Kian Kiek.
Shortly afterwards, she departed for Hong Kong for a private celebration dinner alongside actors Chow Yun Fat, Jet Li, Donnie Yen, Mabel Chung and billionaire Michael Kadoorie, among a roster of other high profile personalities.
She will then be travelling to London to continue production on Jon M Chu’s Wicked, set for release in 2024. She will be starring alongside Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Jeff Goldblum, among others.
Her next screen appearance will be for the Disney+ show American Born Chinese, in which she reunities with EEAAO co-star and fellow Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan.– The Vibes, April 18, 2023
