Marvel star Wai Ching Ho, who played Madame Gao in the Daredevil, Iron Fist and The Defenders, has died at the age of 82 after suffering a stroke07:44, 13 Jul 2026Updated 07:44, 13 Jul 2026Actress Wai Ching Ho has died at the age of 82. Ho was best known for portraying Madame Gao in the hit television series Daredevil, Iron Fist and The Defenders. The Marvel star also lent her voice to Pixar's Turning Red and graced the stage in Celine Song's production, Endings.Her death was announced by fellow Daredevil cast member Peter Shinkoda, who shared the sad news on Instagram. He wrote: "Just lost someone very special to me. She was one of the coolest. Thinking aloud. #Gao."Ho reportedly "passed away peacefully after a stroke two days ago" according to actor Perry Yung. The news broke the same weekend as the tragic passing of Emergency star Randolph Mantooth.‌Yung paid tribute to the beloved actress with a heartfelt Instagram post, captioning the photo: "It's a very emotional moment for all of us who knew Wai Ching Ho @waichinghohknyc. She passed away peacefully after a stroke two days ago.", reports the Mirror US."I had seen her perform many times on stage, had many a dim sum and she came to see @slantperformancegroup many times. I even had the enormous good fortune of having played her husband (parents to @justinchon) in the film High Resolution," the caption continues."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," Yung concluded.Another message from Shinkoda reads, "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."Saw her in a performance of king lear not too long ago. Very kind and talented soul," wrote one commenter on Shinkoda's post. Ho had starred in "Laowang, A Chinatown King Lear."‌According to her Instagram post, the production was "a sweeping, funny, and deeply moving reimagining of Shakespeare's tragedy through the eyes of a Chinatown matriarch."Filmmaker Judy Lei also paid tribute to the late actress, describing her as "super kind and generous." Lei said Ho was "never display[ing] an ounce of disappointment in my lack of experience."I first saw her as Grandma in CHILDREN OF INVENTION. That red envelope scene at Ping's still hits hard because the two kids stepped into adult roles (unknowingly) and Wai's character was cautious of the situation and was protective. I'm so sad to hear of her passing."Ho also featured in programmes including Law and Order, Orange is the New Black and Only Murders in the Building. Actor and director Alec Silver shared a heartfelt message on Instagram: "Rest in peace, Wai Ching Ho. You were a titan of the theatre and screen and one of the kindest people I've ever shared a stage with. We met in 2021 at the @goodmantheatre during a developmental production of Nightwatch by @maxyuliang, directed by @chayyew."It was a joy to be your grandson. When I introduced you to Panda Express for a dinner break, you said "This is actually pretty good! We're lucky to have shared the earth with you."Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.