Pop culture in the early 2000s experienced a major shift when Meteor Garden took the world by storm, setting the blueprint for Asian idol dramas that seamlessly blended romance, school life, and social class struggles.
Its immense popularity sparked a global wave of adaptations and successors, resonating with audiences far beyond Asia and cementing its legacy in television history.
At the heart of it all was Barbie Hsu, whose portrayal of the iconic Shan Cai made her a household name and an enduring symbol of that era.
News of her passing on February 2, 2025, due to complications from pneumonia and influenza, sent shockwaves across social media, instantly dominating platforms like Weibo.
Her death was a devastating loss, prompting an outpouring of tributes from around the world.
EARLY LIFE
FULL NAME
Barbie was born Xu Xi Yuan, before adopting her screen name Barbie Hsu or “Big S.”
BIRTHDAY
Barbie was born on October 6, 1976. She was 48 years old at the time of her passing.
FAMILY
Born to Huang Chun-mei and Hsu Chien in Taipei, Barbie Hsu grew up in Taiwan’s capital city, where she lived until adulthood.
She was the middle child of three sisters.
Her elder sister, Hsu Si-hsien, and her younger sister, Dee Hsu, gained recognition in Taiwan, with Dee becoming a household name as a television host, best known for her role on the variety show Kangsi Coming.
Barbie’s family has business ties in Taipei, owning a jewelry shop.
Meanwhile, her cousin, Chelsey Chang Chia-ru, has made a name for herself as a news anchor and journalist.
EDUCATION
Barbie attended Taipei Hwa Kang Arts School, a prestigious institution known for its arts programs.
She pursued studies in the Drama Department.
CAREER
In 1994, Barbie debuted in the entertainment scene at the age of 18 as part of the pop duo S.O.S (Sisters of Shu) with her younger sister, Dee Hsu.
The group gained initial fame with the hit song “Ten-Minute Love.”
However, contractual disputes led them to rebrand as A.S.O.S. and transition their focus to television hosting.
They became known for hosting popular variety shows, such as Guess (1996-2000) and 100% Entertainment (1998-2005).
Her breakthrough as an actress came in 2001 when she portrayed Dong Shan Cai in Meteor Garden, followed by its sequel the next year.
Starring alongside Taiwanese showbiz heavyweights Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, Ken Chu, and Vanness Wu, she and her co-stars quickly became icons of the early 2000s Asian drama wave.
