We have many big names in the Malaysian entertainment industry, and some of those names have made it big internationally. Although her acting career didn’t begin here, Ipoh-born Tan Sri Dato Michelle Yeoh made her home country proud by being the first Malaysian to win an Academy Award and actor Henry Golding from Sarawak, who made his acting debut in the 2009 film “Pisau Cukur”, achieved stardom when he starred in “Crazy Rich Asians”.
Apart from these stars, we actually had a few entertainers, especially back in the day, who have achieved their own milestones and made history by being a part of international projects. So without any further ado, here are Malaysian actors who have appeared in international films and TV series:
1. Ibrahim Pendek
Introducing the first-ever Malaysian actor who appeared in a Hollywood movie. Ibrahim Pendek, whom you might know from “Pendekar Bujang Lapok” and “Ali Baba Bujang Lapok”, made his Hollywood debut in the 1962 film “The Spiral Road”, starring Rock Hudson, Burl Ives, Gene Rowlands and Geoffrey Keen. The actor is part of the supporting cast and played the part of Stegomyia.
2. Osman Zailani
Johor-born actor Osman Zailani was the first Malay actor to appear in an international TV series. In 1975, the actor appeared in an episode of “Hawaii Five-O”! The episode was titled “Year Of The Horse”, which was set in Singapore. That same year, he also appeared in the Hollywood film “Saint Jack”, which was set and filmed in the neighbouring country as well.
3. Tiara Jacquelina
You may know her for her iconic role as Gusti Putri in the 2004 local hit film “Puteri Gunung Ledang”, which was submitted for an Oscar but sadly was not shortlisted. Prior to playing the legendary princess, Tiara made her Hollywood debut in the 1995 film “Beyond Rangoon” starring Patricia Arquette. She played a hotel staff member named San San and the story was mostly filmed in Malaysia.
4. Angelica Lee
Just like Michelle Yeoh, Kedah-born actress Angelica Lee, aka Sinje Lee, started her acting career in Hong Kong, making her debut in the 1999 film “The Sunshine Cops”. She has since starred in multiple Taiwanese and Hong Kong films with her first Malaysian film being “The Garden of Evening Mists” which was critically acclaimed. Angelica has not been active in acting but she served as a producer for the 2023 hit “Abang Adik”.
5. Pete Teo
Sharpened Word Literary Matinee Ipoh
Born in Sabah, Pete Teo is a well-known singer-songwriter, filmmaker and actor in Malaysia. You may know him for one of his anti-racism compositions titled “Here In My Home” back in 2008. His other notable work also includes the soundtrack for Yasmin Ahmad’s film “Talentime” which earned him the Song of the Year award at the Anugerah Juara Lagu. Pete made his Hollywood debut with the 2017 live-adaptation of “Ghost In The Shell” starring Scarlett Johansson where he played the character Tony.
Sources: TheStar, StraitsTimes
