Actress dead after falling ill on family holiday in Japan

A prominent actress who was named as one of the most outstanding film stars in the Chinese-speaking world, has sadly died while holidaying with family.

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, named as one of the most prominent film stars in the Chinese-speaking world, has died of a flu-related illness while on holiday with family in Japan.

At age 48, Taiwan’s official Central News Agency reported on Monday that the star had died of pneumonia after catching the flu. CNA reported her younger sister Dee Hsu confirmed the star’s passing in a statement.

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu has died. Picture: Valery HACHE / AFP

“During the Lunar New Year, our family came to Japan for vacation,” Dee Hsu said in a statement.

“My dearest sister Barbie has unfortunately left us after getting pneumonia, triggered by influenza.

“I am grateful that I could be my sister in this life, to take care and accompany each other,” “I will always be grateful to her and miss her.”

The actress died while on holiday in Japan. Picture: Francois GUILLOT / AFP

The sister of the actress said she died after getting pneumonia, triggered by influenza. Picture: Valery HACHE / AFP

Hsu, who rose to fame at age 17 in the mid-1990s, is best-known for starring in the hit 2001 TV series Meteor Garden, where it was dubbed in the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand. The show, which saw Hsu’s portrayal of an ordinary girl who finds love with a rich boy, resonated with millions of fans.

The actress will leave behind her husband, South Korean singer DJ Koo, and two children from an earlier marriage.

According to family, Hsu had been known to struggle with epilepsy and heart disease, and had been hospitalised several times prior to her death.