Actress Barbie Hsu dies age 48 after catching the flu while on family vacation

Taiwanese actor Barbie Hsu has passed away aged 48 after falling ill with influenza-induced pneumonia, according to her sister.

His younger sister, Dee Hsu, who is a TV host, said she and their family were visiting Japan for Lunar New Year at the time, where she is believed to have fallen ill, according to the BBC - though she did not clarify where and when her sister passed away.

She said (via Sky News): "My dearest and most kindhearted sister Barbie Hsu died of influenza-induced pneumonia and unfortunately left us.

"I am grateful that in this lifetime I was able to be her sister, taking care of each other and being companions. I will forever be thankful for her and miss her!"

Barbie Hsu has died aged 48 (Shang Hongtao/VCG via Getty Images)

Who is Barbie Hsu?

Hsu, who was widely known as 'Da S' or 'Big S' by her fans, first rose to fame at the age of 17 in the mid-1990s in a pop group, SOS, alongside Dee.

The sisters then went on to become TV hosts.

Hsu is survived by her husband, Koo Jun-yup, a South Korean singer, and her two children from a previous marriage.

Meteor Garden's impact

Her meteoric rise to fame came when she starred in the 2001 Taiwanese drama, Meteor Garden, which itself is a live action adaptation of the Japanese manga series, Hana Yori Dango, or Boys over Flowers.

In the series, Hsu played Dong Shancai, a girl from a working class family, who enters a prestigious school for rich kids, and enters a love triangle with two boys from Taiwan's richest and most powerful families.

The show was the first adaptation of the manga series, which was later followed by Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Thai versions.

According to the BBC, young women modelled their looks after Hsu's character, while a local broadcaster had to air the show eight times to keep up with demand from fans.

The actress made a name for herself in Meteor Garden (TPG/Getty Images)

Fan response

Aya Liu, a TV host and longtime friend of the sisters, said she saw Hsu only last month when the pair agreed they would make time to meet up more often, writing on Weibo: "I didn't think that would be our last gathering. Rest in peace, the most beautiful queen."

Tributes have been pouring out for the actor from fans, with one person penning on Twitter: "Meteor Garden raised an entire generation of Asians. Thank you Barbie Hsu for giving life to Shancai."

A second added: "You will be missed Barbie Hsu, thank you for portraying the iconic role of San Chai of Meteor Garden. You've been a part of my college years."

While a third remarked: "Rest is Peace, Barbie Hsu. Thank you for making my childhood happy. Always be my fave version of Meteor Garden.

"You’ll always be remembered."