Barbie Hsu, the Taiwanese actress best known for her role as Shancai in the popular 2001 television drama Meteor Garden, has died at the age of 48. According to reports, Hsu fell ill with pneumonia while on a family holiday in Japan during the Lunar New Year.
Hsu’s sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed the news in a statement, saying: “During the Lunar New Year, our family came to Japan for vacation. My dearest sister Barbie has unfortunately left us after getting pneumonia, triggered by influenza.”
Hsu’s death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and across Asia, where she was a beloved and iconic figure. Her career began at the young age of 17, when she formed a pop duo with her sister Dee, called S.O.S. The pair later transitioned to television hosting, becoming known for their bubbly personalities and witty banter on shows like Guess and 100% Entertainment.
However, it was her role in Meteor Garden that truly catapulted her to fame. The show, a television adaptation of the Japanese manga series Boys Over Flowers, was a massive hit across Asia, and Hsu’s portrayal of Shancai, a strong-willed girl from a modest background who attends an elite school, resonated with audiences. Meteor Garden not only launched Hsu’s acting career, but also helped to launch the careers of her co-stars, who went on to form the wildly popular boyband F4.
Following the success of Meteor Garden, Hsu continued to build a successful acting career, starring in a string of popular television dramas and films, including Mars, Corner With Love, and Summer’s Desire. She showcased her versatility by taking on diverse roles, from romantic comedies to horror films like The Ghost Inside.
Hsu took a step back from acting in 2012, but she remained a public figure, appearing on reality shows and continuing to be a beloved celebrity in Taiwan and across Asia.
Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow celebrities, who have expressed their shock and sadness at Hsu’s untimely death.
“I can’t believe it,” wrote one fan on Chinese social media platform Weibo. “She was only 48 years old.”
“Big S has always been a part of my youth,” wrote another fan on Threads, referring to Hsu by her nickname.
Hsu’s former ‘Meteor Garden’ co-star Ken Chu also paid tribute to her on social media, writing: “What a bolt from the blue.”
Hsu’s death is a major loss to the entertainment world and to her many fans around the world. She will be remembered for her talent, her beauty, and her infectious smile.
