Wai Ching Ho, an actress recognized for her roles in the Marvel universe and the film "Hustlers," has died at the age of 82. Her death was announced on Saturday, July 11.
Co-star Peter Shinkoda shared the news on Instagram, noting that Ho had passed away peacefully two days prior after suffering a stroke. Her representative confirmed the passing to Fox News Digital.
"Her family is deeply grateful for the incredible outpouring of love and support, and the many beautiful messages and memories people have shared about our beloved Wai," the representative stated. "Reading how much she meant to so many is comforting to us during this difficult time."
Ho portrayed the Marvel villain Madame Gao in the Netflix series "Daredevil," "Iron Fist," and "The Defenders." Shinkoda, who also appeared in "Daredevil," remembered Ho as "one of the coolest" and expressed his gratitude for the wisdom she shared on and off set.
Actor Perry Yung, who worked with Ho on the film "High Resolution," where he played her husband, also paid tribute. "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," Yung wrote on Instagram. "Rest in power, dear friend."
Beyond her Marvel roles, Ho lent her voice to Grandma Wu in Pixar's 2022 animated film "Turning Red." Her other film and television credits include "Hustlers," "One Life to Live," "Premium Rush," "Fresh Off the Boat," "Blue Bloods," "Orange Is the New Black," "Only Murders in the Building," "Flight of the Conchords," "Swans Crossing," and "Law & Order."
Actress Mahira Kakkar described Ho as a "pillar" and a mentor for those in the industry lacking role models. "She also utterly refused to speak ill of anyone," Kakkar shared. "My dear Wai you deserve all the standing ovations — what a stellar human and a stellar artist. What an example of how to live."
Born on November 16, 1943, in Hong Kong, Ho made her feature film debut in the 1990 film "Cadillac Man." Her final projects were slated to include the short film "Capture" (2025), the film "The Gardener" (2026), and the podcast series "Aunties."