Barbie Hsu, known professionally as Big S, was a trailblazing Taiwanese actress, singer, and television host who ignited pan-Asian fandom with her spirited portrayal of Shan Cai in the 2001 phenomenon Meteor Garden, blending bubbly charisma with dramatic depth across music duos, variety shows, and high-stakes romances that mirrored her own headline-grabbing life.
| Barbie Hsu | |
|---|---|
| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Hsu Shi-yuan |
| Stage Name: | Barbie Hsu |
| Born: | October 6, 1976 |
| Died: | February 2, 2025 (age 48 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Taipei, Taiwan |
| Nationality: | Taiwanese |
| Height: | 163 cm |
| Parents: | Mr. and Mrs. Hsu |
| Siblings: | Hsu Si-hsien, Dee Hsu |
| Spouse: | Koo Jun-yup |
| Relationship: | Married |
| Children: | Wang Xi Lin |
| Occupation: | Actress, Singer, Television Host |
| Net Worth: | $20 million to $25 million |
Early Life And Education
Barbie Hsu was born on October 6, 1976, in Taipei, Taiwan. She was raised by her parents, known as Mr. and Mrs. Hsu, as the middle child among three sisters, including elder Hsu Si-hsien and younger Dee Hsu, in a family that owned a jewelry shop; her father fled due to gambling debts when she was 14, leaving her mother to support them as a real estate broker, with the parents divorcing in 2008 after the sisters cleared his final debts.
Her ethnicity is Han Chinese. Religion details remain private. At age 14, she began commercial acting to help financially after her family auditioned together.
Hsu attended Hwa Kang Arts School, graduating from the Drama Department in 1994, where she bonded with future stars in the “Seven Fairies” group, but left early for her entertainment debut.
Career
Hsu debuted at 18 in the pop duo S.O.S. (later A.S.O.S.) with sister Dee in 1994, releasing bubblegum hits before pivoting to co-hosting variety hits like Guess (1996–2000) and 100% Entertainment (1998–2005).
Her 2001 role in Meteor Garden exploded her fame across Asia, spawning sequels and F4 mania; she shone in dramas like Mars (2004) and films including Connected (2008, Hong Kong Film Award nomination) and Croczilla (2012, Macau Best Actress win).
An animal-rights advocate with PETA, she endorsed Tissot since 2005 and stepped back after 2012 for family, though her influence lingered through endorsements and media buzz.
Social Media
- Weibo: @barbiehsu
- Instagram: @barbiehsu
Personal Life
Barbie Hsu, who passed at 48 from pneumonia complications during a family trip to Japan, led a whirlwind romantic life marked by “flash marriages” and idol flings, including seven years with Blackie Chen from high school, Koo Jun-yup (1998–2000), Lan Cheng-lung (2001–2005), and Vic Chou (2006–2008).
She wed businessman Wang Xiaofei in 2010, welcoming daughter Wang Xi An in 2013 and son Wang Xi Lin in 2016, before their contentious 2021 divorce over alimony disputes; custody went to Wang post-death.
Rekindling with Koo, they married in South Korea in 2022, blending families amid health battles like epilepsy. Known for fierce loyalty to her sisters and a disciplined fitness routine keeping her at 45 kg, she stood 163 cm tall.
Net Worth
Barbie Hsu’s estimated net worth ranged from $20 million to $25 million at her passing, fueled by Meteor Garden royalties, variety hosting fees, film accolades, Tissot endorsements, and savvy investments in real estate and family ventures, with assets split per Taiwanese law between Koo and her children amid ongoing posthumous disputes.