Charmaine Sheh expresses sadness over Barbie Hsu’s death at 49

Hong Kong actress Charmaine Sheh. Photo from Sheh's Instagram

"Barbie was incredibly friendly, kind, and talented," Sheh stated in a Wednesday interview, according to Sinchew. "Her enthusiasm was infectious, and her passing is a profound loss. It’s truly heartbreaking that she left us so young."

Sheh, who had previously worked with Hsu on the makeup reality show "Miss Beauty," reflected on the impact of Hsu’s death on her own life.

"Barbie’s passing has profoundly altered my perspective on life," Sheh remarked. "My goddaughter once shared some wise words with me: ‘Enjoy life while you can.’ We often impose limits on ourselves, so it’s important to frequently remind ourselves to pursue what makes us happy and live in the moment."

Hsu was celebrated for her roles in beloved series like "Meteor Garden," "Mars," and "Summer’s Desire." Her family confirmed her death through a statement issued by her sister, Taiwanese host Dee Hsu, on Feb. 3. Leaked medical reports later disclosed that Hsu had missed two critical medical interventions while in Japan. Her family has since returned her ashes to Taiwan and opted for a natural burial.

Sheh, 50, began her career in entertainment after placing first runner-up in the Miss Hong Kong pageant in 1997. She quickly rose to fame with TVB, starring in successful series such as "War and Beauty," "Beyond the Realm of Conscience," and "Forensic Heroes."