On February 4, QQ reported that following Barbie Hsu’s passing, many colleagues who had worked with her expressed their condolences and reminisced about past memories. Through these stories, glimpses of Barbie Hsu’s true personality were revealed. Among them, actress Chen Zi-han’s story garnered the attention of nearly 40 million viewers.
Chen Zi-han wrote, “I vividly remember filming ‘Eternity: A Chinese Ghost Story’ with Barbie Hsu 23 years ago. At that time, she was already a top star, playing the female lead. Thanks to her role as Shan Cai in ‘Meteor Garden’, she was famous across Asia, and every actor wanted to get close to her. Meanwhile, I was just a newcomer, a minor supporting actress with no voice on set. Whenever I wasn’t filming, I would sit quietly in a corner, waiting for the director’s call.”
She added, “But Barbie Hsu showed me kindness. She declined invitations from other stars and approached me, saying, ‘Come sit with me.’ At that moment, I was truly touched. Today, hearing the tragic news, I can’t believe it—I feel heartbroken and in shock. Life is unpredictable. I pray for that beautiful and kind-hearted woman. May everything be well for her in heaven. Farewell, Barbie Hsu. I will always love you!“
According to QQ, Barbie Hsu was previously known for her strong-willed and difficult personality, often demanding things be done her way. Even she admitted to having moments that made friends and colleagues uncomfortable. However, Chen Zi-han’s story sheds light on another side of Barbie Hsu. Perhaps she was strict because she wanted everything to be perfect, holding firm to her principles in both life and work.
Her warmth, kindness and respect for colleagues were also acknowledged by many in the Taiwanese entertainment industry. Another colleague revealed that Barbie Hsu had quietly engaged in charitable work for years. She even reported a sexual assault case to the police on behalf of a victim.
Although Barbie Hsu had not acted in projects for many years, her outlook on life remained unforgettable to the public, solidifying her status as an eternal icon in the hearts of millions.
Following her passing, many colleagues, including Ken Chu, Jerry Yan, Rainie Yang and Huang Xiaoming shared their condolences on social media. Among them, the farewell message of Jerry Yan, her on-screen lover in “Meteor Garden”, attracted over 110 million views.
Jerry Yan wrote, “Thank you for being part of my carefree youth. You often said, ‘Live every day to the fullest as if it were your last.’ I hope that from now on, you can walk peacefully. In another world, there will be no worries—only quiet and serene days ahead.”
Additionally, Barbie Hsu’s most iconic roles remain unforgettable to fans. Her portrayal of Shan Cai in “Meteor Garden” catapulted her to A-list status in Taiwan. Meanwhile, her role as Yin Xia Mo in “Summer’s Desire” cemented her as a beauty icon, with her makeup style remaining timeless. In “Eternity: A Chinese Ghost Story”, every time Barbie Hsu appeared on screen, viewers were captivated by her sweet and enchanting beauty.