Taiwanese singer and actress Yu Chia Hui (于佳卉), better known by her stage name Huan Huan (歡歡), was found dead in her Taichung apartment on June 1. Huan Huan was one half of popular 1980s girl duo You Huan Pai Dui (憂歡派對), which released a total of three albums, including one with label mate The Little Tigers (小虎隊). After the group’s disbandment in 1990, Huan Huan switched to a TV acting career, appearing in several well-known dramas including Justice Bao <包青天> and Princess Huai Yu <懷玉公主> in addition to hosting variety programs. Although her career was going well, her personal life suffered frequent turmoil. She fell in love and married director Chang Hsiao Ching (張孝正) in 1994, with whom she bore two children. The couple unfortunately divorced when the director was found cheating with a Mainland actress. Huan Huan later re-married to actor Franco Chiang (江國賓) in 2004 and gave birth to a daughter. After nearly five years of marriage, the two called it quits in 2009 citing irreconcilable differences. Little is known about her private life since then, and she has made only sporadic appearances in local dramas. The news of her death came unexpectedly on June 1. Seen with her family earlier in the day, Huan Huan informed them that she will be meeting with a man over a drink in the evening and asked them to not disturb her. When her family failed to reach her at night, they called the police who discovered the actress lifeless on her bed with burnt coals nearby. She also left a note saying, “Someone told me to do this.” Although authorities are still investigating, the police have made the preliminary conclusion that Huan Huan has committed suicide. Huan Huan’s family also revealed that she has been suffering from depression for the past few months, which may have played a part in her death. The news shook the Taiwanese entertainment industry. Many artistes expressed their condolences on Weibo, including members of The Little Tigers, Nicky Wu (吳奇隆), Alec Su (蘇有朋), and Julian Chen (陳志朋). Julian wrote, “Older Sister who has once guided us; how can you give up on life like this?” Former love and fellow singer Johnathan Chang (張克帆) also expressed his sorrows on Weibo by marking a meaningful Taipei street while noting, “You softly left me…with this very unforgettable memory.” Creds: Sina
