Barbie Hsu, better known as "Da S" which means "Big S," caught the flu when she visited Japan with her family during the Lunar New Year, according to her sister.

Taiwanese actor Barbie Hsu, who rose to fame across East Asia as the romantic lead in the 2001 television drama "Meteor Garden," has died of influenza at 48, her sister said Monday.

The Taiwanese star was known by her fans as ‘Big S.’ Learn more about her life, career and untimely death here.

"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

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, the Taiwanese actress better known as "Big S," has died after contracting pneumonia during a trip to Japan. She was 48.

Barbie Hsu, the Taiwanese performer best known for the Asian drama 'Meteor Garden,' has died after contracting pneumonia triggered by the flu. She was 48.

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, who shot to fame for starring in the TV series Meteor Garden, has died from pneumonia, local media report. She was 48. Hsu is one of the biggest names in the Mandarin-speaking world and Meteor Garden made her a big star in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand after it was dubbed in local languages.

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