Wai Ching Ho, Veteran Actress Known for Madame Gao, Dies at 82

Wai Ching Ho, best known for portraying Madame Gao in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has died at the age of 82.

The actress’s Daredevil co‑star Peter Shinkoda was among those who responded to her passing on social media. He played the Hand’s co‑founder Kagenobu Yoshioka on the Netflix series from 2015‑2016. In an Instagram post he wrote, “Just lost someone very special to me. She was one of the coolest. Thinking aloud.” In another tribute he 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.”

Mahira Kakkar, who shared the stage with Wai in the National Asian American Theatre Company’s 2018 production of Henry VI, also offered a heartfelt tribute.

I had the enormous good fortune to work with Wai Ching Ho and to share a dressing room with her. 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. She encouraged us to “Eat two slices of raw ginger every day and you won’t get sick!” For those without many role models, Wai was a pillar. I am deeply grateful for knowing her and am very sad she is gone. She never spoke 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.

Judy Lei, who co‑starred with Wai in The World’s Greatest (2022), also wrote and directed the film, shared memories of working with her.

Lei recalled that when they lost their filming location close to midnight the night before shooting, Wai was unfailingly kind. Arriving at the new site fully prepared—she even brought her own outfit—Wai showed no sign of disappointment at the rookie director’s oversight. Later, when Lei forgot to have her sign paperwork, she visited Wai’s home to obtain a signature, again receiving grace without complaint. “She came to the NYC premiere at @asiancinevision #aaiff and I was once again embarrassed and unsure if she liked the venue or how the film turned out. She did, and I am so grateful for her saying yes to the project,” Lei wrote on Instagram.

Born on Nov. 16, 1943, in Japanese‑occupied Hong Kong, Wai made her screen debut in the 1990 Robin Williams film Cadillac Man. She went on to appear in Soapdish (1991), Happiness (1998), The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010), Tracers (2015), Set It Up (2018), Hustlers (2019) and Disney’s Turning Red (2022).

Her television credits include One Life to Live, Swans Crossing, Law & Order, New Amsterdam, Flight of the Conchords, Blue Bloods, Orange Is the New Black, Fresh Off the Boat, Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens and Only Murders in the Building.

After originating the role of Madame Gao in Netflix’s Daredevil, Wai reprised the character in the spin‑off series Iron Fist and The Defenders.

On stage, she performed in Celine Song’s 2020 off‑Broadway production Endlings and in Frances Ya‑Chu Cowhig’s Snow in Midsummer in 2022.

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