Wai Ching Ho Dies: ‘Daredevil,’ ‘Iron Fist,’ & ‘Turning Red’ Star Was 82

Wai Ching Ho, the actress known for her role as Madam Gao in Daredevil, Iron Fist, and The Defenders and her voice work in Turning Red — is dead at 82.

On Saturday, July 11, Wai’s Daredevil co-star, Peter Shinkoda, took to Instagram to share the sad news with his followers.

“I won’t ever forget you,” the actor, who played The Hand co-founder Kagenobu Yoshiokabegan, began his update. “I learned every minute from you when we were together on and off set. I know wisdom — I’d hang on your every word.”

Shinkoda concluded, “We will meet again, my friend. You were beautiful.”

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A post shared by Peter Shinkoda (@thepetershinkoda)

Additionally, actress Mahira Kakkar, took to Instagram with a tribute to Wai. They worked together in the National Asian American Theatre Company’s Henry VI.

“I had the enormous good fortune to work with Wai Ching Ho and to share a dressing room with her,” Kakkar wrote alongside a photo of them. “She was incredible- warm, funny, caring, joyful, positive and a truly wonderful actor. At the age of 82? 83? She played a lead role — basically a female King Lear, and was riveting.”

After describing Wai as a “pillar,” Kakkar added, “I am deeply grateful I got to know her and I am very sad she is gone. She also utterly refused to speak ill of anyone. My dear Wai you deserve all the standing ovations- what a stellar human and a stellar artist. What an example of how to live.”

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A post shared by Mahira Kakkar (@mahirakakkar)

Actor Perry Yung also posted an Instagram tribute, sharing, “It’s a very emotional moment for all of us who knew Wai Ching Ho @waichinghohknyc. She passed away peacefully after a stroke two days ago.”

He added, “I had seen her perform many times on stage, had many a dim sum and she came to see @slantperformancegroup many times. I even had the enormous good fortune of having played her husband (parents to @justinchon) in the film High Resolution.”

To conclude the tribute, Yung wrote, “Wai Ching was a kind, compassionate human being whose work as an artist lifted every production to a higher standard, and we are better for it. Rest in power dear friend.”

 

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A post shared by Perry Yung (@perryyungofficial)

In addition to her work as Madam Gao and in Red, Wai’s other notable acting credits included the films Robot Stories (2003), The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010), and Hustlers (2019). She also appeared in the TV series Flight of the Conchords in 2009.