Madam Wu: From Bond Girl to Poker Player
Madam Wu is a minor character in the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale. She’s one of the card players at the casino, who’s brought to life by actress Tsai Chin, an artist who played Bond girl, Ling in the opening sequence of You Only Live Twice (1967).
Madam Wu
Madam Wu is initially introduced aboard Le Chiffre‘s vessel, where she witnesses a Croatian General suffering a monetary loss in a card game against the host.
Later, Madam Wu is among the ten invited card players participating in the poker game at Casino Royale in Montenegro. This exclusive group includes notable names such as James Bond, Le Chiffre, and Felix Leiter.
Her allegiance remains a mystery – whether she’s a member of Quantum, an associate of Le Chiffre, or simply an enthusiastic participant in card games is left open to interpretation. Either way, she was invited amongst distinguished poker players with a lot of money up for stakes.
Tsai Chin
Tsai Chin, a multi-talented Chinese actress, singer, director, teacher, and author, was born on September 1, 1937. She is renowned for her role as Auntie Lindo in The Joy Luck Club.
Chin has enjoyed a diverse career that extends over 60 years across three continents. Early international cinema roles include The Bridge on the River Kwai and The Inn of the Sixth Happiness.
Chin appeared in several Toho Studio films and notably starred in two James Bond movies 39 years apart. She also has the unique distinction of being the first acting instructor invited to teach in China after the Cultural Revolution. She is well-known in China for her role in the TV series The Dream of Red Mansions.
