Hong Kong singer-songwriter Coco Lee died Wednesday after trying to take her own life at the weekend, according to a Facebook post by her sisters.
Lee sang the Mandarin version of the theme song “Reflection” from 1998 Disney movie Mulan, and also became the first Chinese American to perform at the Oscars, singing the Best Original Song-nominated “A Love Before Time” from Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Lee’s sisters, Carol and Nancy, said she had been in a coma since making the suicide attempt over the weekend. “With great sadness, we are here to break the most devastating news: Coco had been suffering from depression for a few years but her condition deteriorated drastically over the last few months,” the Facebook post stated.
“Although, Coco sought professional help and did her best to fight depression, sadly that demon inside of her took the better of her,” they continued. The sisters said she had attempted suicide at home July 2 and had been rushed to hospital, where she had remained in a coma until her death.
Lee was born in Hong Kong in 1975, then moved to the U.S. where she attended middle school and high school, before embarking on a successful career in Asia as a pop singer. Initially a Mando-pop singer, she also released albums in Cantonese and English over her 30-year career.
She was the first Chinese singer to be signed by Sony Music globally and voiced the heroine Fa Mulan in the Mandarin version of Disney’s Mulan, on which she also sang the theme.
In 2001, Lee sang “A Love Before Time,” the end-credit title song of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which picked up an Oscar nomination for Best Music, Original Song. She performed the song, which was composed by Jorge Callandelli and Tan Dun with lyrics by James Schamus, at the ceremony.
Lee also acted in three films – Stanley Kwan’s No Tobacco (2002), Lee Xin’s Master of Everything (2004) and He Jiong’s Forever Young (2015) – and appeared regularly as a judge on mainland Chinese talent shows including Chinese Idol and Come Sing With Me.
In 2011, Lee married Canadian businessman Bruce Rockowitz, the former CEO of supply chain company Li & Fung, and had two stepdaughters from the marriage.
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is a wuxia film directed by Ang Lee and released in 2000. It is based on the novel of the same name by Wang Dulu. The film became internationally renowned and won numerous awards, including four Academy Awards. It is known for its stunning cinematography, intricate fight choreography, and exploration of themes such as love, honor, and duty.
Set in 19th-century China during the Qing dynasty, the story follows two skilled martial artists, Li Mu Bai (played by Chow Yun-fat) and Yu Shu Lien (played by Michelle Yeoh), as they navigate a complex web of love, friendship, and loyalty. The plot revolves around a stolen ancient sword called the Green Destiny and the pursuit of the thief. Along the way, the characters face personal and emotional challenges, leading to breathtaking action sequences and philosophical discussions.
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" stands out for its fusion of traditional martial arts elements with poetic storytelling. It brought wuxia films into the international spotlight and remains highly regarded for its artistic merits and cultural
