See the martial arts prodigy and Oscar-winning icon's rise to stardom through stunning snapshots across her trailblazing career.

<a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/michelle-yeoh-balenciaga-presidential-medal-of-freedom-ceremony">Michelle Yeoh</a>'s magnetic charm and versatility shine through in every role she takes on. From her poised and fearless portrayal of Yu Shu Lien in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) to her multifaceted performance as Evelyn Quan Wang in Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), she has captivated audiences with ease across her decadeslong career. Beyond acting, her red carpet looks from the '90s and early aughts also made her one to watch.
A trailblazer in every sense, the Malaysian actor has long dazzled audiences with her grace, martial arts prowess, and acting range. Yeoh began her journey as a ballet dancer before transitioning to acting in Hong Kong action films, where she quickly became a household name. Her early career is a masterclass in breaking barriers, starring in action-packed classics like Yes, Madam! (1985) and Police Story 3: Supercop (1992), where she performed her own jaw-dropping stunts. Yeoh&rsquo;s ability to blend elegance with edge soon caught Hollywood&rsquo;s attention, leading to her unforgettable roles in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and Memoirs of a Geisha (2005).
Late 2024, Yeoh added another iconic role to her repertoire, bringing her signature gravitas to the role of Madame Morrible in Wicked, a performance that&rsquo;s been praised by fans and critics alike. Off-screen, Yeoh&rsquo;s journey is just as inspiring. From her early days as a beauty queen to becoming <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/michelle-yeoh-best-actress-2023-academy-awards-oscars">the first Asian actress to win an Academy Award for Best Actress</a>, she has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined what it means to be a global star. Not to mention, there's her countless repertoire of striking <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/michelle-yeoh-best-red-carpet-looks-fashion-actress-style-90s-2000s">red carpet looks</a>, for which she often wears Balenciaga.
Whether reliving her breakout moments or marveling at her glow in these nostalgic photos, click through the gallery below to see young photos of the actor from the '90s and early aughts.

Michelle Yeoh at the premiere of “Supercop” in 1996. Photography: Getty Images.

Pierce Brosnan and Michelle Yeoh for the James Bond film “Tomorrow Never Dies” in 1997. Photography: Getty Images.

Michelle Yeoh at the Germany premiere of “Tomorrow Never Dies” in 1997. Photography: Getty Images.

Michelle Yeoh at the Los Angeles premiere of “Primary Colors” in 1998. Photography: Getty Images.

Samuel L. Jackson and Michelle Yeoh at the “U.S. Marshals” Los Angeles premiere in 1998. Photography: Getty Images.

Michelle Yeoh at the world premiere of “Tomorrow Never Dies” in 1997. Photography: Getty Images.

Michelle Yeoh attending Pierce Brosnan’s Walk-of-Fame Star ceremony in 1997. Photography: Getty Images.

Michelle Yeoh for a National Geographic magazine photo session in 1998. Photography: Getty Images.

Michelle Yeoh in a mid-air photo shoot over the Hollywood sign in 1998. Photography: Getty Images.

Michelle Yeoh at the France premiere of “Tomorrow Never Dies” in 1997. Photography: Getty Images.

Michelle Yeoh at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1999. Photography: Getty Images.

14 Photos of Michelle Yeoh From the '90s and Early Aughts

L'OFFICIEL USA December 2024 - Julianne Moore Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA November 2024 - Salma Hayek Pinault Cover

L'OFFICIEL HOMMES USA October 2024 - Rupert Friend Cover

L'OFFICIEL HOMMES USA October 2024 - Joseph Quinn Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA September 2024 - Fall Fashion Cover Featuring Supermodel Sasha Pivovarova

L'OFFICIEL USA June 2024 - Nicole Kidman Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA June 2024 - Megan Thee Stallion Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA May 2024 - Jackson Wang Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA May 2024 - Natalie Portman Cover

14 Photos of Michelle Yeoh From the '90s and Early Aughts

Tags

Related Articles

Fashion

Michelle Yeoh Wears Balenciaga to the Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony

Film & TV

6 Michelle Yeoh Movies to Watch Before 'Wicked'

Fashion

Michelle Yeoh is Balenciaga's New Brand Ambassador

Recommended posts for you

Beauty

The Best Beauty Looks at the 2025 Golden Globes

Pop culture

14 Photos of Michelle Yeoh From the '90s and Early Aughts

Film & TV

Annabelle Wallis' 7 Best Movies and TV Shows

Travel & Living

These Fashion Designers and Artists End 2024 With Gratitude Notes

Fashion

The Best Dressed Stars at the 2025 Golden Globes

Fashion

Watch Kendrick Lamar's Style Evolve in 17 Photos

Fashion

What to Know About Haider Ackermann, Tom Ford's Creative Director

Film & TV

All the 2025 Golden Globes Winners