The Story Behind How Michelle Yeoh Nearly Quit Action Movies After A Stunt Went Wrong And Quentin Tarantino Inspired Her: ‘That’s The Most Depressing Time Of Your Life’

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Michelle Yeoh is renowned for her roles in action films over several decades, yet you might not realize that nearly three decades ago, she contemplated quitting acting entirely. Before making her Hollywood debut as a “Bond girl,” Yeoh was involved in a stunt accident that left her questioning her career path. However, an encounter with Quentin Tarantino unexpectedly motivated her to persevere.

The actress, at the age of 62, finds herself in the limelight more than ever before, with her 2023 Oscar victory and numerous upcoming Michelle Yeoh films. Yet, she has lately pondered on the traumatic accident that nearly derailed her career path, sharing:

In a tragic incident, I experienced a severe mishap during filming – this misfortune motivated us to honor stunt performers by producing a movie titled “The Stunt Woman”. While working on that project, I was shoved off an overpass. We had already captured the broad shot of my landing, and everything appeared fine. However, for a close-up, we decided to fall from a higher spot [indicating towards a column]. But I underestimated the force – the push was unexpectedly powerful. As a result, I rolled headfirst – using cardboard boxes as protection – and heard a sharp sound in my back. I somersaulted over.

Prior to achieving Hollywood stardom, Yeoh first gained recognition through a string of Hong Kong action films in the ’80s and ’90s, many of which featured collaborations with Jackie Chan, Tony Leung, Donnie Yen, and Jet Li. In an interview on The Graham Norton Show, she recounted a severe accident that occurred during an attempt to perform a stunt from a bridge onto a moving truck. As she further elaborated:

After being admitted to the hospital due to an injury, I wore a full cast and subsequently returned home for recuperation. The recovery period was disheartening because I felt helpless and unable to engage in any activities. At that moment, I found myself questioning my actions, contemplating whether it was wise to continue pursuing them, or if perhaps it was time for a change, maybe to explore new possibilities instead.

It’s understandable if Yeoh considered retiring after such a close brush with death. Yet, a meeting with the director known for “Kill Bill” and “Pulp Fiction” seemed to help her regain clarity. In her own words:

1) It’s no surprise that Yeoh might have thought about quitting following such a life-threatening event. But an encounter with the filmmaker behind “Kill Bill” and “Pulp Fiction” appeared to help her find new perspective. As she puts it:

2) After experiencing a near-death situation, one could expect Yeoh to contemplate retirement. However, a chat with the director famed for “Kill Bill” and “Pulp Fiction” seemed to provide fresh insight for her. Here’s how she describes it:

3) It’s easy to imagine that Yeoh might have considered giving up after such a close call with death. Nevertheless, a sit-down with the director known for both “Kill Bill” and “Pulp Fiction” seemed to give her a new outlook. In her own words:

At that moment, Quentin arrived in town, and let me tell you, Quentin is incredibly persistent when it comes to pursuing his goals. Upon arriving in Hong Kong, he expressed a desire to meet Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Michelle. So, we arranged a meeting, and I agreed. As I was relaxing in my living room with a neck brace on, a massive figure barreled down the stairs and exclaimed, “Hey, Michelle!” He then tossed a pillow onto the floor, sat at my feet, and began discussing my films and the inspiration behind them, detailing each frame of the first action sequence I ever filmed, such as breaking through a pane of glass. As we conversed, it became evident to me – I grew increasingly excited – until my team gently reminded me to stop waving my arms around and stay still. It was then that I realized: when you’re passionate about something, you can’t let go, so I owe Quentin a debt of gratitude for helping me rediscover that truth – be wise, never give up, and find the right path to success.

Quentin Tarantino has frequently expressed his admiration for Michelle Yeoh, particularly her work in several Hong Kong films. In fact, he once declared that a stunt scene she performed in the 1992 film “Supercop” was the most impressive stunt sequence he’s ever seen in any movie.

In the ’90s, Michelle Yeoh remembers that when Tarantino traveled to Hong Kong, he arranged a meeting for all of them – including Jackie Chan and Jet Li. During this meeting, Tarantino played a pivotal role in helping Yeoh rediscover her passion for acting, which served as an inspiration for her to continue her career despite the accident she had experienced.

In the years following the debut of “The Stunt Woman”, Michelle Yeoh enjoyed some of the most significant films in her career. She appeared alongside Pierce Brosnan’s 007 in “Tomorrow Never Dies” and starred in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” from 2000. Can you imagine if she had retired before these roles? She would have missed out on so many wonderful opportunities.

Although Quentin Tarantino admires Zoe Yeoh deeply, they have yet to collaborate professionally. When she once enquired about why she wasn’t chosen for the role in Kill Bill, he playfully responded, “Who would believe that Uma Thurman could kick your ass?” Fingers crossed that they’ll work together someday soon. For now, catch Yeoh in Star Trek: Section 31 when it premieres on January 24 and as Madame Morrible in the Wicked cast.

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2025-01-20 23:07