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'Daredevil' actress Wai Ching Ho dead at 82

Wai Ching Ho played Marvel villain Gao in "Daredevil," "Iron Fist" and "The Defenders." Co-star Peter Shinkoda announced her passing at 82.

Published July 13, 2026, 1:22 PM
Updated July 13, 2026, 1:50 PM498
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'Daredevil' actress Wai Ching Ho dead at 82

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Wai Ching Ho, best known for her roles in "Daredevil" and "Hustlers," has died. She was 82.

The veteran actress’ death was announced on Saturday, July 11, by her "Daredevil" co-star Peter Shinkoda on Instagram and confirmed by her representative.

"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," a representative for the actress told Fox News Digital in a statement. "Reading how much she meant to so many is comforting to us during this difficult time."

Ho "passed away peacefully after a stroke two days ago," according to actor Perry Yung's Instagram tribute.

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Wai Ching Ho attends the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival After-Party for

Marvel star Wai Ching Ho died at age 82. (Ben Gabbe/Getty Images for 2019 Tribeca Film Festival)

She played Marvel villain Madame Gao in "Daredevil," "Iron Fist" and "The Defenders."

Shinkoda later shared additional photos on Instagram, writing, "Just lost someone very special to me. She was one of the coolest. Thinking aloud. #Gao."

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Shinkoda added, "I won't ever forget you. I learned every minute from you when we were together on and off set. I know wisdom — I'd hang on your every word. We will meet again, my friend. You were beautiful."

Wai Ching Ho attends a screening event in New York City.

Wai Ching Ho at Marvel's "Iron Fist" New York screening in New York City. (Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)

Yung wrote on Instagram, "I had seen her perform many times on stage, had many a dim sum and she came to see @slantperfomancegroup many times. I even had the enormous good fortune of having played her husband (parents to @justinchon) in the film 'High Resolution.'"

He added, "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," along with prayer emojis.

In addition to her Marvel roles, she voiced Grandma Wu in Pixar's 2022 film "Turning Red."

The actress also appeared in "Hustlers," "One Life to Live," "Premium Rush" and "Fresh Off the Boat."

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She also appeared in "Blue Bloods," "Orange Is the New Black," "Only Murders in the Building," "Flight of the Conchords," "Swans Crossing" and "Law & Order."

Actress Mahira Kakkar also shared a tribute on Instagram, writing: "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 arrives at a screening in New York City.

Wai Ching Ho appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Steven Ferdman/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

The actress was born on Nov. 16, 1943, in Hong Kong.

Her feature film debut came in 1990's "Cadillac Man," which also starred Robin Williams.

Her final projects included the 2025 short "Capture," the 2026 film "The Gardener" and the podcast series "Aunties."

Sarah Sotoodeh is an associate entertainment editor for Fox News Digital. 

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