Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, who rose to fame as the lead in the iconic TV drama "Meteor Garden" that captivated Asia, tragically passed away at the age of 48 following pneumonia complications stemming from the flu. Renowned monikered as "Da S," or "Big S," Hsu's demise was announced by her younger sister, Dee Hsu, a celebrated TV host in her own right. According to Dee, Barbie contracted the flu while visiting Japan with her family during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
"I am deeply grateful for the lifetime privilege of being her sister, nurturing a bond of mutual care and companionship. She will forever be etched in my heart with gratitude and longing," Dee Hsu expressed in a poignant statement on Monday, omitting the specifics of her sister's passing.
The unexpected news of Barbie Hsu's demise sent shockwaves through audiences in Taiwan and China, where she had garnered a loyal following since the early days of her career. On Chinese social media platform Weibo, tributes poured in, trending the heartbreaking news.
"It's as if a beloved figure from your daily life has vanished overnight," penned one Weibo user. "This is beyond belief. Her two children, how heartbreaking for them. May she find eternal peace."
Hsu's journey into the limelight began in her teenage years when she formed the pop music duo S.O.S. with her sister Dee, affectionately known as "Xiao S" or "Small S." Together, they captivated young audiences with their charisma before transitioning into TV hosting, amassing a fervent fan base.
In 2001, "Meteor Garden" cemented Barbie Hsu's status as a household name across Asia. Her portrayal of the female lead opposite the popular boyband F4 solidified her reputation as a romantic drama icon. Her popularity soared, prompting her to further her entertainment career through diverse ventures in TV dramas, films, and talk shows.
Recent years also saw her personal life grab headlines, notably her high-profile divorce from Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei. Their acrimonious split, marked by fiery social media exchanges and legal battles following their 2021 divorce, often dominated news cycles.
Subsequently, Hsu found love again with Korean musician Koo Jun-yup, alias "DJ Koo." Passionate about animal rights, she actively advocated for their welfare, collaborating with organizations like PETA.
"Barbie was among the first and foremost celebrities to lend her voice to PETA," highlighted a statement by PETA's senior vice president, Jason Baker. "She tirelessly spoke up for animals, directly urging brands to halt the sale of fur."
Hsu is survived by her husband Koo and her two children from her marriage to Wang.
