Beauty pageants are more than just about modelling and looking pretty. It’s also an avenue for those who want to step foot in the entertainment industry. With the help of social media today, these pageants are able to offer contestants the opportunity to not only show off their personalities, but also showcase their talents and skills to the world.
For those who may not have been aware, Michelle Yeoh once entered both local and international beauty pageants in her early 20s. That was her gateway into the world of acting. But what compelled her to start competing in these contests back then? Well, it’s all thanks to her mother. Here’s the story:
During a group interview with Graham Norton on “The Graham Norton Show”, Tan Sri Dato Michelle Yeoh revealed that her mother, Janet Yeoh, signed her up for a local beauty pageant without her knowledge. The actress recalled the time when she went home during the holidays only to realise that mommy dearest had something big in store for her.
“She said, ‘oh you should go on stage more and you should do this cause now you’re 21,’ and I was thinking what on earth is she on about?” she told the host. It was then revealed that the Oscar nominee’s mother has entered her for the 1983 Miss Malaysia beauty pageant, much to her surprise. “She actually signed the form! So technically I’m not legit,” she said.
While some think may that what Janet did was unfair, the Malaysian-born star won the contest. The Golden Globe winner said she only agreed to participate to please her mother saying, “I did it to shut her up”. She then went on to represent Malaysia in the Miss World pageant in London the same year where she was placed in the 18th spot out of 72 contestants.
Much to the audience’s amusement, the Miss Malaysia incident wasn’t the only (humourous) thing Michelle’s mother had done. During her teen years, the “Everything Everywhere All at Once” star’s mother had also accompanied her on her dates. During one particular date, the actress noticed two hands on her leg at one point.
Apparently, her date thought he was holding her hand but it turned out to be her mother’s. “He was holding the hand he thought was mine, then I look at them and was like, ‘excuse me guys what’s going on?!'” she shared while laughing. Watch the full interview here:
Source: YouTube
