Michelle Yeoh, an Oscar-winning actress, has spoken out about her issues with infertility, detailing her emotional journey and the influence it had on her life. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, the Oscar winner revealed that she had always wanted to have children, which was a major factor in her first marriage to industrialist Sir Dickson Poon. She explained that their union was motivated in part by the desire to establish a family.
During her first marriage, Yeoh tried fertility treatments but was unsuccessful. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “The worst moment is every month when you feel like such a failure.” She described how she initially blamed herself for her inability to conceive but eventually accepted her body’s basic limitations, adding, “There are certain things in your body that don’t function in a certain manner. That’s how things are.
Yeoh eventually learned to let go of his shame and go on, though the trip was far from easy. She confessed that the encounter had a negative impact on her emotionally, but she eventually accepted the circumstance. “You need to quit blaming yourself and realize that some things are outside of your control,” she said.
Yeoh, now 62, remarked on her continuous love of children, despite the fact that she does not have her own. She admitted that her desire to be a mother had never completely vanished, saying, “Sometimes, honestly, I still think about it.” She now finds joy and thankfulness in being a part of a family in a different way.
Her stepson and his wife had a baby in January, and Yeoh expressed her delight at having a grandson. “You feel very blessed because you still have a baby in your life,” she said, highlighting the significance of seeking fulfillment in diverse ways.
Yeoh and Poon were married from 1988 until 1992, and she admitted that her inability to bear children was a major reason for their split. She characterized ending the relationship as a challenging but necessary decision. “You need to be fair and understand that only love might not be enough if one partner wants to have children,” she told the press.
The actress underlined the necessity of honest communication in relationships, especially when discussing children. The she clarified, “These are talks you’re supposed to have early on.” “If one wishes to have a baby while the other does not, it could result in a lot of suffering and hardships over time.”
Despite the difficulties she encountered, Yeoh considers herself blessed to have a caring family network. She values her ties with her godchildren, nieces, and nephews, who bring her happiness and meaning in life. “I feel blessed to have so many beautiful children in my life, even though they are not my children,” she stated.
Yeoh reflected on her previous marriage and admired the fortitude it needed for both her and Poon to admit their differences and separate. She acknowledged that the decision was difficult but important to avoid more misery, “It was brave of us to admit that we were dragging things out despite trying our best.”
Yeoh later fell in love with French motor racing executive Jean Todt, to whom she became engaged in 2004. After over 20 years together, the couple married in 2023. She expressed appreciation for their supportive and rewarding relationship.
Yeoh’s bravery in sharing her story shines a light on the emotional hardships of infertility and the difficult decisions that may be required. Her message emphasizes the value of acceptance, open communication, and discovering new ways to experience the joy of family.
Aside from her personal life, Yeoh excels in her career. She earned an Oscar for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once and will shortly play Madame Morrible in the film adaptation of Wicked.
