'Daredevil' star Wai Ching Ho dies aged 82

• Wai Ching Ho, Daredevil's Madame Gao, dies aged 82
• Death confirmed by co-stars two months after 30 April passing
• Perry Yung says she died peacefully after suffering stroke

Wai Ching Ho, the veteran actress best known for playing Madame Gao in Daredevil, Iron Fist and The Defenders, has died at the age of 82. Her death was confirmed by fellow actors and former co-stars on Saturday, 11 July, two months after she passed away on 30 April 2026.

News of Ho's death was first shared by her Daredevil co-star Peter Shinkoda, who paid an emotional tribute on Instagram. "Just lost someone very special to me. She was one of the coolest," he wrote, later adding, "I won't ever forget you. I learned every minute from you when we were together on and off set." Actor Perry Yung later revealed that Ho had passed away peacefully after suffering a stroke. He described her as a kind and compassionate artist whose work elevated every production she joined.

More tributes followed from other colleagues and fans, including actress Mahira Kakkar, who remembered Ho as "warm, funny, caring" and described her as a role model for generations of Asian performers working in the industry.

Rise to fame as Madame Gao

Ho became a cult favourite among Marvel viewers through her portrayal of Madame Gao, the soft-spoken yet intimidating crime boss who appeared throughout Netflix's interconnected Marvel series. Beyond the Marvel universe, the Hong Kong-born performer built a successful career across film, television and theatre.

Extensive career across film and television

Throughout her career, Ho appeared in films including Premium Rush, The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Hustlers. She also voiced Grandma Wu in Pixar's Oscar-nominated animated hit Turning Red. Television audiences also recognised her from series such as Fresh Off the Boat, Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens, Only Murders in the Building and Law & Order. Away from the screen, Ho was highly respected within the theatre community, with performances in acclaimed productions such as Celine Song's off-Broadway play Endlings.

Early career with the United Nations

Before entering entertainment, Ho worked with the United Nations International Refugee Organisation, helping people displaced by World War II. She later moved to Canada, where she began working with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation before pursuing acting professionally.