Michelle Yeoh opens up on infertility struggles, 'I felt like a failure'

SHAH ALAM - Oscar-winning actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh recently opened up about her struggles with infertility, describing it as one of the most challenging periods of her life.

Yeoh revealed feeling like a ‘failure’ when she was unable to conceive, despite her deep desire for a family.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, Yeoh shared how devastating it was when fertility treatments did not work.

“I think that that's the worst moment to go through, is every month you feel like such a failure.

“Then you go like, why? And I think at some point you stop blaming yourself and go, it is, you know, there are certain things in your body that don't function in a certain way,” she said in the video streamed on Nov 18.

Now 62, Yeoh reflected on how she eventually found peace, though the experience continues to resonate with her.

“You just have to let go and move on and I think you have come to a point where you have to stop blaming yourself,” she added.

She also disclosed that her inability to conceive was a major factor in the breakdown of her first marriage, which she described as heartbreaking.

Yeoh emphasised the importance of open and honest communication between couples about their desires for a family.

She highlighted couples need to have honest conversations early in their relationship, especially about future plans and the desire for children.

She explained that while they may deeply love each other in the present, it was important to consider long-term compatibility.

“If one wants (children) and the other doesn't, this is something they have to face right at the beginning and along the way, there will be a lot of hurt,” she said.

She acknowledged that such discussions can be painful but commended couples who face these challenges directly.

Yeoh stressed the importance of open dialogue between partners to navigate these difficult issues together.

Yeoh is set to play Madame Morrible in the film adaptation of the beloved musical Wicked, which will be released in cinemas on November 22, 2024.

Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film features an impressive cast, including Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda.

Following her Oscar win for ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’, Yeoh's involvement in Wicked has generated significant excitement, and fans are eager to see how this adaptation captures the magic and emotional depth of the original stage production.