By MARY SY
BARBIE Hsu aka Shan Cai in ‘Meteor Garden’
The entertainment world is in mourning after the passing of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, who died at the age of 48 on Feb. 2. Best known for her iconic role as Shan Cai in the hit drama Meteor Garden, Barbie’s death from influenza-related pneumonia has left a deep void in the hearts of fans and colleagues around the globe.
Barbie’s Meteor Garden leading man, Jerry Yan, has released an emotional farewell message on Chinese social media site Weibo following her passing.
“Thankful for meeting you,” Yan’s translated message stated. “In your carefree, childlike years, you always said to live everyday as if it were your last and enjoy it to the fullest.”
“I hope this time, you will go slowly, and from now on, in another world, there will be no troubles, and the years will be peaceful.”
Barbie’s good friend, model-actress Lin Chi-ling, also offered her sympathies.
“Older sister is so sad now.”
Earlier, Lin shared: “We will always remember her beauty, rest in peace.”
Variety show host Jacky Wu also expressed his grief and disbelief over Barbie’s passing.
“Beauty is envied by the gods. I have worked with her for many years. Although we are not close friends, I feel that we have been on the same stage for many years. I still feel sorry for her. I feel very sad… I hope she can rest in peace and let go of worldly affairs and live without worries…”
Middle child
Born in 1976 in Taipei, Barbie was the middle child in a family with a background in the jewelry business. Despite this, her passion for performing led her to the spotlight at a young age. In 1994, she formed the pop duo S.O.S. with her sister Dee Hsu, and their hit song “Ten-Minute Love” quickly earned them recognition. Over the years, Barbie and Dee shifted to hosting, charming audiences with their engaging personalities on various television shows.
However, it was Barbie’s role as the lovable Shan Cai in Meteor Garden (2001) that catapulted her to fame. The drama, based on the Japanese manga Boys Over Flowers, became a cultural phenomenon, and Barbie’s chemistry with the F4 boys made the series an unforgettable part of pop culture. Her acting career continued to flourish with roles in Mars, Corner with Love, and Summer’s Desire, where she proved her versatility as an actress.
After marrying in 2011, Barbie stepped away from acting, choosing to focus on other projects. Though she remained active in television variety shows and advertisements, her time in front of the camera became more limited. Despite this, her influence on the entertainment industry remained strong, and her fanbase continued to grow as she inspired many with her charm and resilience.
The sudden loss of Barbie has left her family, friends, and fans heartbroken. Her younger sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed the news in a statement, sharing that Barbie had passed away during a family vacation in Japan. Dee expressed her love and gratitude for her sister, saying, “I will always be thankful to her and remember her. Shan, rest in peace.” Barbie Hsu’s legacy will live on through her unforgettable performances and the joy she brought to millions. While her passing has left a profound sadness, her talent, smile, and the characters she portrayed will continue to inspire and captivate the world for years to come.