According to actor Perry Yung, Ho passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026. The news of her death was shared publicly on Saturday by fellow actors and friends, who remembered her as a gifted performer, mentor, and kind-hearted person.
Actor Peter Shinkoda, who played Nobu Yoshioka alongside Ho in the first season of Daredevil, paid tribute to her on Instagram.
"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," he wrote.
Perry Yung, who appeared with Ho in the 2018 drama High Resolution, also shared an emotional message.
"It’s a very emotional moment for all of us who knew Wai Ching Ho. She passed away peacefully after a stroke two days ago," he wrote. "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."
A Career That Spanned Nearly Four Decades
Born on November 16, 1943, in Japanese-occupied Hong Kong, Wai Ching Ho began acting in her home country before moving to the United States, where she built a successful career in television, film, and theater.
She first appeared on American television in the daytime soap One Life to Live in 1987 and later made her feature film debut in Cadillac Man. Over the following decades, she became one of the industry's most respected character actresses, known for bringing depth, authority, and warmth to every role.
Her screen credits included Happiness, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Orange Is the New Black, Fresh Off the Boat, Only Murders in the Building, Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, Premium Rush, Hustlers, and Sight.
She also voiced Grandma Wu in Pixar's hit animated film Turning Red (2022), a role that introduced her to a new generation of audiences.
Away from television and film, Ho remained active in New York theater throughout her career. Her performance in Celine Song's play Endlings received widespread critical praise.
The Role That Made Her a Marvel Favorite
Although she had already built an impressive acting career, Wai Ching Ho became internationally recognized after joining Marvel's Netflix series Daredevil in 2015 as Madame Gao.
At first, Madame Gao appeared to be a quiet elderly woman involved in the heroin trade. As the story unfolded, viewers discovered that she was one of the most dangerous figures in New York's criminal underworld.
Despite her calm appearance and walking cane, Madame Gao possessed extraordinary influence and mysterious supernatural abilities. She commanded the respect of crime bosses, including Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin, and shocked audiences when she effortlessly sent Matt Murdock flying across a room with a powerful palm strike.
The character's popularity led to Ho reprising the role in Iron Fist and The Defenders, where Madame Gao was revealed to be one of the ancient leaders of the Hand, the secretive organization at the center of Marvel's street-level stories.
Speaking about the character in 2017, Ho praised the writers for expanding Madame Gao's role.
"I give a lot of credit to the writers, because they really loved the character as she evolved. They gave her more and more to do. The thing is, she is very calm on the surface, but the mind is always going, always churning."
Remembered by Colleagues and Fans
Following the announcement of her death, fans and fellow actors shared tributes celebrating Ho's talent and generosity.
Many described her as an artist who elevated every project she joined and as a mentor whose wisdom and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she worked with.
Her family thanked fans around the world for the outpouring of love and support following her passing.
Wai Ching Ho leaves behind a remarkable legacy that spans stage, television, film, and animation. While she will always be remembered by Marvel fans as the unforgettable Madame Gao, her career reflected far more than a single role. Through decades of memorable performances, she became one of the most respected and admired character actresses of her generation.
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