Beloved Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, renowned across Asia, has passed away at the age of 48 due to complications from a respiratory illness.
Hsu reportedly developed pneumonia while on a family trip to Japan during the Lunar New Year holiday, according to her younger sister, who shared the heartbreaking news.
“My dearest and kindest sister, Barbie Hsu, has sadly left us due to influenza complications that led to pneumonia,” her sister stated in an announcement released through Hsu’s agent and reported by the semi-official Central News Agency. “I’m grateful to have been her sister in this lifetime—to care for and accompany each other. I will forever cherish her and miss her deeply.”
News of Hsu’s passing quickly became the top trending topic on China’s Weibo platform, with fans from Taiwan, the Philippines, and across Asia expressing their grief and sharing tributes on social media.
Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming, who starred alongside Hsu in a Taiwanese drama, expressed his sorrow, saying he was “in shock and deep grief” over her death. “I’ve heard that truly brilliant souls are never dimmed by time—they remain vibrant, like bubbles shining in the sun,” Huang wrote on Weibo.
Filipino fan Edmalyn Canton shared on Facebook, “Thank you for bringing joy to my childhood. You will always be my favorite version of Meteor Garden and will forever be remembered.”
Taiwanese celebrity Stacy Hsu also paid tribute, posting, “Barbie’s beauty and intelligence will forever remain in our hearts.”
Animal rights organization PETA expressed its condolences, describing Hsu as “one of the first and biggest stars” to support their cause. “We are heartbroken over her passing,” the group said in a statement.
