Coco Lee, the Chinese-American singer-songwriter best known for singing the Oscar-nominated song in the hit movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” died Wednesday in a Hong Kong hospital. she was 48 years old.
A statement from sisters Carol Lee and Nancy Lee said the cause was suicide. Li said she attempted suicide at her home on Sunday and was taken to hospital.
“Koko has been suffering from depression for several years, but in the last few months her symptoms have worsened dramatically,” the sisters wrote. “Coco sought her professional help and did her best to fight her depression, but sadly, the demons inside her caused her to suffer.”
Lee had a successful pop career in Asia, but was best known to American audiences for director Ang Lee’s stylish action film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. It was singing “A Love Before Time.” The song was nominated for an Oscar for Best New Song, and she performed it in front of millions of television viewers at the Academy Awards in March 2001.
“By combining the flavors and textures of Eastern music with the orchestral colors and subtle lyrics of Western culture, the magic of this stunningly beautiful film is truly realized in this evocative love ballad,” said actress Julia Stiles. There is,” he said while introducing Mr. Lee’s acting.
Lee’s recording career began in 1993 after she was runner-up in a singing contest organized by Hong Kong television station TVB. At the time, she had just graduated from high school. She told Ms. T that she entered the contest on a whim.San Francisco Chronicle in 2000.
“I was timid when I was a kid,” she said. “I used to hide in the bathroom and sing in the shower. I always expected my sister Nancy to be that singer. I never thought that would become me.”
Her success in the TVB contest led to the release of her debut album in 1994 by a Taiwanese record label. “My goal in my career as a singer is not to stay in one place,” she said. 1997 South China Morning PostHe said he would like to work in Asia and the United States.
In 1999, Lee released her first full-length English album, Just No Other Way, featuring pop and R&B songs. One song, ‘Before I Fall in Love’, was included on the soundtrack to Julia Roberts’ film ‘Runaway Bride’ (1999).
Lee’s career expanded beyond music. She voiced the main character and sang the theme song “Reflection” in the Chinese version of the 1998 Disney animated film Mulan.
Born in Hong Kong on January 17, 1975, Lee immigrated to the United States and attended middle school and high school in San Francisco. Chosen as Miss Teen Chinatown She briefly attended the University of California, Irvine, intending to study biology and become a doctor, but dropped out after her freshman year, she said. Chronicle.
Lee’s sisters said in a statement that this year marks the 30th anniversary of their singing career. Li “is known for her tireless work on the international music scene to break new ground for Chinese singers,” they wrote, noting that she has “excellent Emphasis on talent. live performance”
In addition to her sisters, her survivors include her husband Bruce Rockowitz and two stepdaughters.
Lee’s last single, “Tragic” Released in February. In a social media post at the end of 2022, she admitted it had been an “incredibly difficult year” but encouraged her followers to spread positive thoughts and “inspire people”. .
If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or visit the link below. SpeakerOfSuicide.com/Resources.
Tiffany May contributed to the report.
