Wai Ching Ho has sadly passed away at the age of 82. She is best known for her role as Madame Gao within the Marvel Universe. Wai held the role across multiple Marvel shows, including Daredevil, Iron Fist and The Defenders.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Peter Shinkoda, Wai's co-star on both Daredevil and The Defenders, confirmed her death with a heartfelt post on social media.
"I won't ever forget you," Shinkoda wrote. "I learned every minute from you when we were together on and off set. We will meet again, my friend. You were beautiful."
Mahira Kakkar, a former colleague of Wai's during their time with the National Asian American Theatre Company's adaptation of Henry VI, also paid tribute to the late actress.
"I had the enormous good fortune to work with Wai Ching Ho and to share a dressing room with her," Kakkar wrote. "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."
Kakkar's tribute continued by praising Wai's personality and willingness to help up-and-coming actors and actresses.
"She would say to us- Eat two slices of raw ginger every day and you won't get sick! For those of us who did not have a lot of role models and mentors in the industry Wai was a pillar. 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."
Wai Ching Ho Had 71 Acting Credits to Her Name, With Only Three Being for Marvel
According to IMDB, Wai amassed 71 acting credits throughout her career. Her debut role came on Cadillac Man in 1990. Over the coming years, Wai appeared in TV shows and movies alike as she gained experience and exposure.
In 2001, Wai appeared on an episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, returning for another episode in 2006. She also had two staggered appearances on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Despite her long list of work, Wai will always be remembered for her role as Madame Gao, which she played to perfection. Currently, there are no details regarding the cause of her death. Furthermore, details regarding Wai's impending funeral have not been made available. That information will likely remain private for family and close friends.
