Barbie Hsu, the renowned Taiwanese actress best known for her iconic role as Shan Cai in the 2001 television series “Meteor Garden,” passed away on February 2, 2025, at the age of 48. Her family confirmed that the cause was influenza-associated pneumonia.
Born on October 6, 1976, in Taipei, Hsu embarked on her entertainment career in 1994 as part of the pop duo S.O.S alongside her younger sister, Dee Hsu. The duo later rebranded as A.S.O.S and transitioned from singing to hosting, co-presenting popular variety shows such as “Guess” and “100% Entertainment.”
Hsu’s portrayal of Shan Cai in “Meteor Garden” catapulted her to pan-Asian fame, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the Taiwanese entertainment industry. She continued to captivate audiences with notable performances in television series like “Mars” (2004), where she starred opposite Vic Chou, and “Summer’s Desire” (2010). Her filmography also includes roles in movies such as “Connected” (2008) and “Reign of Assassins” (2010).
In her personal life, Hsu experienced several high-profile relationships. She dated South Korean singer Koo Jun-yup from late 1998 to 2000, and actors Blue Lan and Vic Chou in the early 2000s. In November 2010, she married Chinese entrepreneur Wang Xiaofei, with whom she had two children: a daughter born in 2014 and a son in 2016. The couple divorced in November 2021. Following her divorce, Hsu rekindled her relationship with Koo Jun-yup, and the two announced their marriage in March 2022.
Throughout her life, Hsu faced personal challenges, including two miscarriages in 2011 and 2018, which she publicly acknowledged in 2024. Despite these hardships, she remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, admired for her talent, resilience, and contributions to Taiwanese pop culture.
Barbie Hsu’s untimely passing has left a profound void in the hearts of her fans and the entertainment community. Her legacy as an actress and cultural icon will continue to inspire and influence future generations.