On February 3, 2025, it was reported that Taiwanese actress and television host Barbie Hsu, known as “Big S,” tragically passed away at the age of 48. Her death was confirmed by her sister, Dee Hsu, who stated that Barbie succumbed to pneumonia caused by complications from influenza while on a family trip to Japan during the Lunar New Year holiday.
Barbie Hsu gained widespread fame for her role as Shan Cai in the iconic 2001 Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden, which significantly impacted the popularity of Taiwanese dramas across Asia. Her career spanned several decades, during which she also formed a successful pop duo with her sister and hosted numerous variety shows[4][5]. She was married to Chinese entrepreneur Wang Xiaofei from 2011 until their divorce in 2021 and later remarried South Korean musician DJ Koo in 2022.
The news of her passing has led to an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues, with many expressing their condolences on social media platforms. Dee Hsu shared a heartfelt message, reflecting on their close bond and expressing gratitude for their time together[2][4]. The family is currently in Japan, where arrangements for Barbie’s cremation are being made before her remains are returned to Taiwan for burial.
What were Barbie Hsu’s most iconic roles in her career?
Barbie Hsu, also known as “Big S,” had a remarkable career in the entertainment industry, marked by several iconic roles that solidified her status as a beloved figure in Asian pop culture.
Key Roles in Barbie Hsu’s Career:
- Meteor Garden (2001): Hsu’s most iconic role was as Dong Shan Cai in the hit Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden, which was based on the Japanese manga Boys Over Flowers. This series catapulted her to fame across Asia, where she portrayed a strong-willed girl who falls in love with a wealthy boy, played by Jerry Yan. The show’s immense popularity led to a sequel, Meteor Garden II (2002), where she reprised her role.
- Mars (2004): In this romantic drama, Hsu played Han Qi Luo, a character entangled in a complex relationship with a troubled artist. The series was well-received and showcased her versatility as an actress.
- Corner With Love (2007): Hsu starred as Yu Xin Lei in this romantic comedy-drama, which further solidified her status as a leading actress in Taiwanese television. The show was notable for its engaging storyline and chemistry between the leads.
- Summer’s Desire (2010): In this series, she portrayed Yin Xia Mo, navigating themes of love and betrayal. The drama was another significant success in her career.
In addition to these television roles, Barbie Hsu appeared in various films, including Connected (2008) and Reign of Assassins (2010), demonstrating her range as both an actress and a performer. Her early career began with her musical duo S.O.S alongside her sister Dee Hsu, which transitioned into television hosting, further enhancing her popularity.
Throughout her career, Hsu’s performances resonated with audiences, making her an enduring icon in the entertainment industry until her recent passing on February 3, 2025.
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