Taiwanese actor Barbie Hsu, known as 'Big S' in the Chinese-speaking world, has passed away at the age of 48 due to a flu-related illness. The news was confirmed by Taiwan's official Central News Agency, citing her sister Dee Hsu.
Barbie Hsu succumbed to pneumonia after contracting the flu during a family trip to Japan. Her sister expressed gratitude for being able to share a life with Barbie and stated that she will always be missed.
Having faced health challenges in recent years, Barbie Hsu gained fame in the mid-1990s at the age of 17 as part of the Mandapop duo S.O.S. She and her sister were known for their humor and later became popular talk show hosts.
However, it was her lead role in the 2001 television drama 'Meteor Garden' that propelled her to stardom. Her portrayal of an ordinary girl who falls in love with a wealthy young man resonated with audiences across the region.
Following her retirement from the entertainment industry in 2022 after an 11-year marriage to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, Barbie Hsu's sudden passing has shocked fans and celebrities alike. The news of her death became the top trending topic on China's Weibo platform, with an outpouring of grief and disbelief from fans.
Her 'Meteor Garden' co-star Ken Chu expressed his shock on social media, reflecting the sentiments of many who knew and admired Barbie Hsu. She is survived by her husband, Korean rapper Koo Jun-yup, and two children from her previous marriage.
