"Our whole family came to Japan for a trip, and my dearest and most kindhearted sister Barbie Hsu died of influenza-induced pneumonia and unfortunately left us," Barbie’s sister

Taiwanese actor Barbie Hsu, one of the most prominent stars in the Chinese-speaking world, has died of a flu-related illness at age 48, Taiwan’s official Central News Agency reported Monday, citing her sister.

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, who starred in hit 2001 series Meteor Garden, has died from pneumonia at the age of 48. Her sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed her death to local Taiwanese media through a statement and said that Barbie Hsu passed away from pneumonia after falling ill during a family trip to Japan.

The news was confirmed on Feb 3 by her younger sister, famed Taiwanese host Dee Hsu. Read more at straitstimes.com.

STORY: Taiwanese actor Barbie Hsu, who rose to fame across East Asia as the romantic lead in the 2001 soap opera 'Meteor Garden,' has died of influenza aged 48 while on a family holiday in Japan.Her sister Dee Hsu broke the news Monday,

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, best known for her role as Shan Cai in the hit Asian drama Meteor Garden, passed away at the age of 48. Her sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed the heartbreaking news on February 3 through her manager, revealing that Barbie contracted influenza while on a family vacation in Japan for the Lunar New Year.

Hsu was best known for playing Shancai in the Taiwanese idol drama Meteor Garden. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Barbie Hsu, a Taiwanese actress who starred in the popular TV drama “Meteor Garden” that once swept across Asia, has died after contracting pneumonia triggered by the flu

Barbie Hsu, a Taiwanese actor and singer best known for starring in the hit 2001 series "Meteor Garden," has died. She was 48.

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu attends a photocall for [Taiwanese director Chao-Pin Su's] out of competition film "Guisi" at the 59th Cannes Film Festival May 24, 2006. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard/File Photo TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwanese actor Barbie Hsu,