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Popular Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu dies at 48 from pneumonia caused by the flu

Updated

Known by the nickname 'Big S', Hsu passed away during a family vacation in Japan

Barbie Hsu in 2010.
Barbie Hsu in 2010.AP

In East Asia, Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu was a true star. The actress, who rose to fame after starring in the 2001 TV drama 'Meteor Garden', has died at the age of 48 after contracting pneumonia caused by the flu, her sister said on Monday, as reported by Reuters and AP.

Known by the nickname 'Big S', Hsu passed away during a family vacation in Japan, her sister Dee Hsu reported. "My dear and kind sister Barbie Hsu died of pneumonia induced by the flu and unfortunately left us," said Dee, known as Little S, in a statement. "I was grateful to be her sister in this life and that we could take care of each other and spend time together. I will always be grateful to her and miss her!" she added.

The sisters gained fame with their pop group S.O.S, but Hsu's leading role in the Taiwanese romantic telenovela 'Meteor Garden' solidified her popularity. She was married to Korean rapper Koo Jun-yup 'DJ Koo' for almost three years, after ending an 11-year marriage with Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei. She is survived by two children.

After gaining great popularity, she continued to advance her career in the entertainment world through other TV dramas, movies, and talk shows.

Hsu was passionate about animal rights advocacy and collaborated with groups like PETA. "Barbie was one of the first and biggest stars to lend her support to PETA," reads a statement from the organization's senior vice president, Jason Baker. "She spoke out countless times on behalf of animals, directly urging brands to stop selling fur," he added.