Barbie Hsu, gone too soon

Meteor Garden will never be the same again.

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, star of the seminal idol drama Meteor Garden in 2001, has died at the age of 48.

The sad news was confirmed by Taiwanese media and her family via her younger sister, famed Taiwanese host Dee Hsu.

According to Taiwan news outlet Star ETToday, the statement was written primarily in Chinese.

“Thanks for all the concern. Over the Chinese New Year period, our entire family traveled to Japan for a holiday and my most beloved, kindest elder sister Barbie caught influenza-related pneumonia and has unfortunately left us.”

“I am thankful to be her sister in this life, and grateful that we have taken care of each other and kept each other company all these years. I will always be thankful to her and remember her. Shan (Barbie Hsu’s nickname), rest in peace. We love you always. Together we will remember forever.”

Prior to the confirmation from her sister, there were rumors floating around that a famous celebrity died in Japan while on vacation. Media outlets at the time hurriedly attempted to contact her family, but were left on read with no response.

Who is Barbie Hsu?

The news of Barbie Hsu’s passing at the young age of 48 has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world.

The Taiwanese actress, best known for her iconic role as Shan Cai in the hit drama Meteor Garden, succumbed to influenza-associated pneumonia on 2 February, leaving behind a legacy that touched millions.

Born in Taipei in 1976, Barbie Hsu was the middle child of three sisters. Her family’s background in the jewelry business provided a stable foundation, but her heart was set on a different kind of sparkle.

Alongside her sister Dee Hsu, Barbie first entered the spotlight as the pop duo S.O.S. in 1994. Their infectious hit “Ten-Minute Love” quickly gained them recognition. Navigating the complexities of the music industry, they later rebranded as A.S.O.S. and transitioned to hosting, showcasing their vibrant personalities and sharp wit on shows like “Guess,” “100% Entertainment” and “Gourmet Secrets of the Stars.”

But it was her portrayal of the resilient and kind-hearted Shan Cai that catapulted Barbie Hsu to pan-Asian stardom. The series, based on the Japanese manga Boys Over Flowers, became a cultural sensation, and Barbie’s chemistry with the F4 boys resonated with audiences worldwide. She solidified her status as a leading actress with memorable performances in dramas like Mars, where she reunited with F4’s Vic Chou, Corner with Love and Summer’s Desire.

These roles showcased her versatility and range, proving she was more than just a pretty face.

Barbie Hsu’s career took a turn after her first marriage in 2011, as she largely withdrew from acting. While she remained a presence in variety shows and advertisements, her focus shifted. Despite stepping back from the demanding world of drama production, her impact on the industry and her fans remained undeniable.