Barbie Hsu: Life, Career, and Legacy of the Taiwanese Icon
Barbie Hsu, born on October 6, 1976, in Taipei, Taiwan, was a multifaceted Taiwanese actress, singer, and television host. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Shan Cai in the 2001 television drama “Meteor Garden,” which became a cultural phenomenon across Asia. Throughout her career, Hsu showcased her versatility in various entertainment domains, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Early Life and Entry into Entertainment
Barbie Hsu, affectionately known as “Big S,” began her journey in the entertainment world alongside her younger sister, Dee Hsu (“Little S”). The duo formed a pop group named S.O.S. (Sisters of Shu) in 1994, later rebranded as A.S.O.S. due to contractual disputes. Their dynamic presence and musical talent quickly garnered attention, setting the stage for their future endeavors.
While the Hsu sisters initially found success in music, it was their transition to television that catapulted them to stardom. They co-hosted popular variety shows such as “Guess Guess Guess” (1998–2000) and “100% Entertainment” (1998–2005), where their charismatic hosting style resonated with audiences.
In 2001, Barbie Hsu took on the lead role of Shan Cai in “Meteor Garden,” a Taiwanese adaptation of the Japanese manga “Boys Over Flowers.” The series became an instant hit, not only in Taiwan but also in countries like South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Hsu’s portrayal of the resilient and spirited Shan Cai earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the 36th Golden Bell Awards, solidifying her status as a leading actress in the region.
Diverse Acting Portfolio
Following the success of “Meteor Garden,” Hsu expanded her acting repertoire with a variety of roles in both television and film. She starred in “Mars” (2004), reuniting with F4 member Vic Chou, and “Corner with Love” (2007), showcasing her range as an actress. Her film credits include “Silk” (2006), “My So-Called Love” (2008), and “Connected” (2008), the latter earning her a nomination for Best Actress at the 28th Hong Kong Film Awards.
Personal Life and Relationships
Barbie Hsu‘s personal life often attracted media attention. She dated several notable figures, including Blackie Chen during high school and South Korean singer Koo Jun-yup from late 1998 to 2000. In November 2010, she married Chinese entrepreneur Wang Xiaofei. The couple had two children: a daughter born in April 2014 and a son in May 2016. However, their marriage faced challenges, leading to a divorce announcement in November 2021 amid mutual claims of infidelity and political differences over Taiwan.
In a surprising turn of events, Hsu rekindled her relationship with Koo Jun-yup, and the two announced their marriage on March 8, 2022. Their reunion after over two decades apart was widely covered in the media, highlighting the enduring nature of their bond.
Health Challenges and Advocacy
Throughout her life, Hsu faced various health challenges. She was one of the first Taiwanese celebrities to publicly discuss mental health, revealing her battle with depression in 2000, from which she recovered after a year. She also had a history of anorexia and experienced two miscarriages, in 2011 and 2018. In 2017, after being hospitalized following a fainting episode, Hsu disclosed that she had mitral valve prolapse and a history of epilepsy, including a near-fatal episode during the birth of her son in 2016.
Beyond her health struggles, Hsu was an active supporter of various charitable causes, particularly advocating for women’s and children’s rights, animal rights, and collaborating with organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
Legacy and Untimely Passing
Barbie Hsu‘s sudden passing on February 2, 2025, due to influenza-induced pneumonia, shocked fans and the entertainment industry alike. Her death led to a surge in demand for influenza vaccinations in Taiwan and other parts of Asia, underscoring the impact of her influence. Hsu’s remains were cremated in Japan, and her ashes were returned to Taiwan, where her family honored her wishes for a low-profile tree burial.
Her legacy as a trailblazer in Taiwanese entertainment endures, with her performances continuing to inspire both fans and aspiring artists. Barbie Hsu‘s contributions to the arts and her advocacy work have left an indelible mark on the industry and society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Barbie Hsu
1. What was Barbie Hsu’s breakthrough role?
Barbie Hsu‘s breakthrough role was as Shan Cai in the 2001 Taiwanese drama “Meteor Garden,” which gained immense popularity across Asia.
2. Who were Barbie Hsu’s spouses?
Barbie Hsu was first married to Chinese entrepreneur Wang Xiaofei in 2010, with whom she had two children. After their divorce in 2021, she married South Korean musician Koo Jun-yup in 2022.
3. What health challenges did Barbie Hsu face?
Barbie Hsu publicly discussed her battle with depression in 2000 and had a history of anorexia. She also experienced two miscarriages and had conditions like mitral valve prolapse and epilepsy.
4. How did Barbie Hsu contribute to charitable causes?
Barbie Hsu was an active supporter of women’s and children’s rights and animal rights. She collaborated with organizations like PETA to advocate for ethical treatment of animals.
5. What led to Barbie Hsu’s untimely death?
Barbie Hsu passed away on February 2, 2025, due to pneumonia stemming from influenza complications while on a family vacation in Japan.
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