Lance Joseph Martinez

A Star and Her Star: Michelle Yeoh Emotional as She Receives Hollywood Walk of Fame

Article (news)

In the entertainment industry, fame and impact are often measured through specific benchmarks. For actors, success is gauged by awards, critical recognition, and the box-office or streaming performance of their films and series. For singers, chart-topping hits and prestigious accolades define their reach, while those working behind the scenes are recognized through production milestones and industry honors.Yet, beyond these traditional metrics lies a rarer distinction—having one’s name immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Reserved for individuals whose achievements have significantly shaped film, television, radio, recording, and live theater, the honor doubles as one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions, administered by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.<div> </div><div style="text-align:left"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771477326828[image] - 1686663.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from @hwdwalkoffame </div>Today, that milestone belongs to Michelle Yeoh, marking another historic chapter in her trailblazing career. The Malaysian superstar was awarded the 2,836th star on the famed boulevard, further cementing her legacy as an internationally acclaimed performer who has defied conventions for decades.In 2023, she made history as the first Asian performer to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her universally praised role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Her performance also earned her Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards, while the film became A24’s highest-grossing release to date.During the unveiling ceremony, Yeoh grew emotional as she reflected on the humble beginnings of her journey, one that started thousands of miles away in Malaysia with her parents by her side. “Growing up in Malaysia, I lived between two worlds of wonder. One was the glowing cinema screens, which always felt so far away, and the other was the quiet fishing trips with my parents under the vast open skies,” she shared.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771477366405[image] - 7279745.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from @hwdwalkoffame </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771477387266[image] - 8198969.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from @hwdwalkoffame</div><div> </div>She continued with a heartfelt memory of her father’s guidance: “My father would point out the North Star. He said, ‘The one you could always trust to guide you home.’ And beside him was my mom, who is the real diva here, who taught me that the horizon was far wider than I ever imagined.”The actress admitted she never envisioned seeing her own name etched along Hollywood Boulevard. “The path from Malaysia to here wasn’t a straight line. There were moments that I wondered if I belonged, but I was fortunate, fortunate to be part of stories that crossed borders and languages, stories that reminded us how deeply connected we all are,” she added.Yeoh also expressed gratitude to those who supported her throughout her journey, including family members who traveled from Malaysia to witness the milestone. “My husband, who is not here because I gave him permission to go to India, and my Todd family, thank you all for surrounding me with love, for being my safe harbor and for helping me stay true to my own North Star,” she said.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771477408345[image] - 1795830.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from @hwdwalkoffame</div><div style="text-align:left"> </div>Growing more sentimental, she emphasized that the star represents more than her individual success. “I hope it also reminds someone that it is possible… Once I was a little girl from Malaysia, looking up at a single steady star and daring to believe I could follow it. And now there’s one on the ground.”For Yeoh, the recognition is a shared triumph with her parents. “This is our star,” she said, dedicating the honor to them.Yeoh’s rise to global fame began with her standout performances in 1990s Hong Kong action cinema, a springboard that led her to headline internationally acclaimed blockbusters. Over the decades, she has built a remarkable body of work spanning more than 70 film and television projects.Among her most celebrated titles are Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Jon M. Chu’s Crazy Rich Asians—with the latter emerging as the highest-grossing romantic comedy in the United States in over ten years. Both directors were present as guest speakers during the ceremony honoring her star.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771477458705[image] - 4766988.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from @hwdwalkoffame</div><div> </div>Expanding her global footprint, Yeoh also became part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She first appeared in James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and later returned to the franchise in Destin Daniel Cretton’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, further cementing her status as a cross-genre powerhouse. Her recent projects continue to highlight her range and enduring appeal, including Jon M. Chu’s big-screen adaptation of Wicked and its forthcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good.With her name now permanently etched into one of Hollywood’s most iconic landmarks, Michelle Yeoh’s journey stands as a testament to representation and the boundless possibilities that come from daring to follow one’s guiding star.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771477477525[image] - 7756290.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from @hwdwalkoffame</div><div> </div>Lead photos from @hwdwalkoffame

A star, Michelle Yeoh, is now given her own star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her impact and talent as an actress.

A star, Michelle Yeoh, is now given her own star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her impact and talent as an actress.