Martial arts actress Cheng Pei-pei, known for 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,' dies at 78

Cheng Pei-pei, the renowned martial arts actress celebrated for her roles in classic kung-fu films and Ang Lee's Oscar-nominated "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," has died at the age of 78 in the San Francisco Bay Area. The cause of death was a degenerative brain disease.

Cheng, born in Shanghai in 1946, became a star in Hong Kong during the 1960s, working with the iconic Shaw Brothers studio. She quickly gained recognition for her roles in martial arts, action, and swordplay movies, with her breakout role in the 1966 film "Come Drink With Me."

In the 1970s, Cheng moved to San Francisco, focusing on raising her four children while also pursuing business studies. Her children later followed in her footsteps, entering the entertainment industry.

Cheng's career reached new heights in 2000 with her role as the villainous Jade Fox in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," which earned her international acclaim. She continued to act in various projects, including "Naked Weapon," "Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li," and Disney's live-action "Mulan."

Cheng leaves behind a legacy as a pioneer in martial arts cinema and an inspiration to many. She is survived by her four children and grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Brain Support Network (BSN), to which Cheng donated her brain.