Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, best-known for TV series Meteor Garden, dies aged 48

Barbie Hsu, who was best known for starring in the series Meteor Garden, has died aged 48. The Taiwanese actress appeared in the 2001 TV series, which then also became a massive hit in the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand. After falling ill while visiting Japan Hsu, who was also known by her nickname Big S, died from pneumonia. Her sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed her death to Taiwan’s TVBS News today.

In a statement shared by her manager, she said: ‘During the Lunar New Year, our family came to Japan for vacation. My dearest sister Barbie has unfortunately left us after getting pneumonia, triggered by influenza.’. ‘I was grateful to be her sister in this life and that we got to care for and spend time with each other. I will always be grateful to her and miss her!’ she added. The actress, who had epilepsy and heart disease, had previously been hospitalised after suffering seizures.

Beginning her career at just 17 as part of pop duo S.O.S. with her sister, the pair then became well known as TV hosts, presenting programmes such as variety show Guess, entertainment news show 100% Entertainment and the cooking show Gourmet Secrets of the Stars. However it was her starring role in Meteor Garden, which was an adaptation of the Japanese comic series of the same name, that made Hsu a household name.

In the series she played Shancai, a teenager from a middle-class family who attends an elite private school but finds herself at the centre of a love web with the heirs of incredibly wealthy families. Her four male co-stars in the show then went on to form the boy band F4, which became one of the most popular Mandopop groups in the early 2000s. The series was such a huge hit its since been remade in Japan, South Kora, China and India.

She then went on to appear in TV shows including Mars, Corner with Love and Summer’s Desire but took a step back from acting after getting married in 2011. Hsu is survived by her husband, South Korean singer DJ Koo, and two children from an earlier marriage. What I Own: I quit London at 48 and bought my first home in Sussex for £325,000. London's cheapest place to rent revealed — but it might not be for long.

Londoners are flocking to this ‘bustling’ neighbourhood 10 miles from the centre. If you live at this house number, your property could be 'cursed'. I bought a house with my partner — but when we broke up, he refused to sell. She was previously married to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei for a decade before they divorced in 2021. Got a story?. If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.