Hollywood may be thousands of kilometres away, but several Malaysians have made their way onto its biggest screens, stages and productions. From Oscar-winning performances to blockbuster directing, comedy and behind-the-scenes stunt work, these Malaysians have proven that global success can come from right here.

Michelle Yeoh - From Ipoh To Oscar History

Michelle Yeoh is perhaps the most internationally recognised Malaysian name in Hollywood.

After decades of starring in action, drama and sci-fi films, the Ipoh-born actress made history with Everything Everywhere All at Once. In 2023, she became the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Her journey from Malaysia to the world's biggest film stages remains one of the country's greatest Hollywood success stories.

James Wan - The Sarawakian Behind Hollywood's Biggest Franchises

Born in Kuching, James Wan built his career from humble beginnings, co-creating the low-budget horror phenomenon Saw.

He went on to direct major Hollywood blockbusters including The Conjuring, Furious 7 and Aquaman, establishing himself as one of the industry's most successful directors.

Not bad for a Sarawakian boy with a camera.

Henry Golding - From Travel Host To Hollywood Lead

Born in Betong, Sarawak, Henry Golding took an unconventional route into Hollywood.

Before becoming an actor, he was best known as a television presenter, particularly for travel programmes.

His big breakthrough came with Crazy Rich Asians, where he played Nick Young. He later appeared in films including A Simple Favor, Last Christmas and Snake Eyes.

Ronny Chieng - Malaysian Humour On American Television

Johor Bahru-born Ronny Chieng made his mark in American television as a correspondent on The Daily Show.

His career expanded into Hollywood, with appearances in Crazy Rich Asians, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and M3GAN.

From Malaysian stand-up stages to American television and blockbuster films, Chieng has brought his distinctive comedic style to international audiences.

Adele Lim - From Petaling Jaya To Hollywood's Director's Chair

Adele Lim, who was born in Petaling Jaya, has made her mark as both a screenwriter and director.

She co-wrote Crazy Rich Asians, helping bring an Asian-led Hollywood story to mainstream audiences. She also co-wrote Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon.

Lim later made her directorial debut with the comedy Joy Ride, further establishing herself as a creative force in Hollywood.

James Chung & JST & SFX Production - Malaysian Talent Behind The Action

Hollywood success does not always happen in front of the camera.

Malaysian stunt professionals have also contributed to major international productions. James Chung and the team at JST & SFX Production were involved in the production of Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts, contributing to the film's demanding action work and large-scale stunt sequences filmed in Kuala Lumpur.

It is a reminder that Malaysians are making their mark in Hollywood not only as actors and directors, but also through the highly skilled crews working behind the scenes.

Ibrahim Pendek - A Pioneer Before Hollywood Was Global

Long before today's Malaysian stars became household names, Ibrahim Pendek was already making history.

The legendary Malay actor became the first Malay actor to appear in a Hollywood production when he played Stegomiya in The Spiral Road (1962), alongside Hollywood stars Rock Hudson, Burl Ives and Gena Rowlands.

His appearance came decades before Malaysia's modern generation of Hollywood stars, making his achievement an important part of the country's entertainment history.

Malaysia Has Always Had Global Talent

From Michelle Yeoh's Oscar-winning performance to James Wan's blockbuster franchises, Henry Golding's Hollywood leads and the behind-the-scenes work of Malaysian stunt professionals, these stories show that Malaysian talent can travel far beyond home.

And perhaps the most impressive part? Some of these journeys started in places like Ipoh, Kuching, Betong and Johor Bahru proving that you don't have to be born in Hollywood to make Hollywood history.