Wai Ching Ho, who played the villainous Madame Gao in the Marvel series Daredevil, Iron Fist and The Defenders, has died.
Ho’s Daredevil co-star Peter Shinkoda confirmed the actress’ death in an Instagram post on Saturday. She was 82.
In a separate Instagram post on Sunday, Shinkoda also wrote of Ho, “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.”
Perry Yung, who starred as Ho’s character’s husband in the film High Resolution, also wrote on Instagram Sunday, “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.”
Ho played Gao in six episodes in Daredevil, which was at the time a Netflix original series, in Seasons 1 and 2 from 2015-2016. She reprised the role of Gao in nine of the 13 episodes of Marvel’s Iron Fist series in 2017, and the actress was also featured in six of the eight episodes in Marvel’s The Defenders the same year.
In addition to her Marvel series work, Ho starred in Jennifer Lopez’s 2019 hit drama Hustlers, where she played the grandmother of Constance Wu’s character. Ho also voiced the role of Grandma/Grandma Panda in Disney’s animated feature Turning Red.
Wai Ching Ho’s Screen Career Began In 1983
Born Nov. 16, 1943, in Hong Kong, Wai Ching Ho appeared in nearly 70 roles during her 43-year career. Her television debut came in 1983 in the ABC daytime drama One Life to Live, where she played Kim over seven episodes from 1983 to 1990.
Ho’s film debut was in a bit role in Robin Williams’ dark comedy Cadillac Man in 1990. Her other film credits include Soapdish, Keeping the Faith, Robot Stories, Adventures of Power, The Greatest, Premium Rush, Sight and The World’s Greatest.
Ho also appeared in dozens of roles on television. She appeared in guest roles in the series Law & Order: Criminal Intent, New Amsterdam, Flight of the Conchords, Orange is the New Black, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Fresh Off the Boat, Law & Order: Organized Crime, Only Murders in the Building and Law & Order.
Also on TV, Ho starred in the recurring role of Li-Wei in Awkwafina’s sitcom Awkwafina is Nora from Queens, where she appeared in five episodes over three seasons from 2020 to 2023.
Ho’s final screen appearance was in the 2026 drama The Gardener. Also in 2026, Ho voiced the role of Auntie Mei in the podcast series Aunties.
