Barbie Hsu, Star of Taiwan’s ‘Meteor Garden’, Dies at 48

Renowned Taiwanese Actress and Singer Dies from Respiratory Illness

Taiwanese star Barbie Hsu, who gained immense popularity across Asia for her leading role in the 2001 television drama “Meteor Garden”, has passed away from a respiratory illness, local media reported. She was 48 years old.

Fatal Condition Developed during Lunar New Year Family Trip

Hsu passed away after developing pneumonia during a family trip to Japan over the Lunar New Year holiday, according to her younger sister. The sister was quoted as saying, “My dearest and kindest sister Barbie Hsu sadly left us due to influenza complications that led to pneumonia.”

Sister’s Heartfelt Tribute

“My dearest and kindest sister Barbie Hsu sadly left us due to influenza complications that led to pneumonia,” the younger Hsu said in a statement shared by her agent and reported by the semi-official Central News Agency. “I’m grateful to have been her sister in this lifetime, to take care of each other, accompany each other, I will forever be thankful to her and miss her.”

Outpouring of Tributes from Fans and Colleagues

Hsu’s death was the top trending topic on China’s X-like Weibo platform. Fans in Taiwan, the Philippines, and elsewhere paid tribute to her on social media. Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming, who starred with Hsu in another Taiwanese drama, said he was “in shock and deep grief” over her death. “I’ve heard that truly brilliant souls are never dimmed by time – they remain vibrant, like bubbles shining in the sun,” Huang said on Weibo.

International Tributes and Condolences

Filipino fan Edmalyn Canton wrote on Facebook, “Thank you for bringing joy to my childhood. You will always be my favorite version of Meteor Garden and will forever be remembered.” Stacy Hsu, a Taiwanese celebrity, posted on Facebook that Hsu’s “beauty and intelligence will forever remain in our hearts.” Animal rights group Peta said it was “heartbroken” over Hsu’s death, noting she was “one of the first and biggest stars” to support the organization.

Early Life and Career

Hsu and her younger sister Dee rose to fame in the 1990s as a pop duo before switching to hosting TV shows and acting. It was the elder Hsu’s role as Dong Shan Cai in Taiwan’s popular 2001 television series “Meteor Garden” that made her a star across Asia. The show about an ordinary girl attending an elite university was originally based on a Japanese manga series. It was later remade in China and now screens on Netflix.

Personal Life and Later Years

Hsu’s acting career dimmed in recent years, but appearances in reality television shows and dramas in her off-screen life kept her in the celebrity gossip pages. Hsu married Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei in 2010 and they had two children, Taiwanese media reported. The couple divorced in 2021, and the following year Hsu tied the knot with an ex-boyfriend, South Korean DJ and singer Koo Jun-yup.

Conclusion

Barbie Hsu’s passing has sent shockwaves across Asia, with fans and colleagues paying tribute to her remarkable career and legacy. Her iconic role in “Meteor Garden” will be remembered for years to come.

FAQs

* What was Barbie Hsu’s cause of death?
She died from a respiratory illness, specifically pneumonia, which developed during a family trip to Japan.
* How old was Barbie Hsu when she passed away?
She was 48 years old.
* What was Barbie Hsu’s most popular role?
Her role as Dong Shan Cai in the 2001 television series “Meteor Garden” made her a star across Asia.
* What was Barbie Hsu’s marital status?
She was married twice, first to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei and then to South Korean DJ and singer Koo Jun-yup.