TAIPEI — Chiung Yao, the celebrated Taiwanese novelist whose work spawned numerous beloved television adaptations including the hit series “My Fair Princess,” has died at age 86. The acclaimed writer was found deceased at her residence in Tamsui District, New Taipei City, on December 4.
Born Chen Che in Chengdu, China, Yao rose to become one of the most influential romance writers in the Chinese-speaking world. Her prolific career spanned several decades, during which she authored over 70 novels, many of which were adapted into successful television dramas and films. Her works, including “Outside the Window,” “The Young Ones,” and the phenomenally successful “My Fair Princess,” dominated Chinese entertainment from the 1970s through the 1990s.
Fans and actors across Asia are mourning the loss of Yao, whose television adaptations launched the careers of several prominent actresses including Zhao Wei, Ruby Lin, and Fan Bingbing. “My Fair Princess” achieved particular success, garnering a devoted following across multiple Asian countries, including Thailand.
Yao was married to Ping Hsin-tao, the founder of Crown Magazine, until his death in 2019 at age 92. Their partnership was well-known in Taiwan’s cultural and publishing circles, with Crown Magazine playing a significant role in shaping Taiwan’s literary landscape.
According to local authorities, Yao died by suicide through carbon monoxide poisoning. She left behind a farewell note in which she described her departure as “flitting away” and expressed her wish to avoid prolonged illness. “I have truly lived, never wasted my life,” she wrote in her final message, requesting that people not mourn her passing as she had chosen to leave the world “gracefully.”
Her literary works and their adaptations have left an indelible mark on Asian popular culture, particularly in the Chinese-speaking world. Her storytelling prowess helped shape the modern Chinese television drama landscape and influenced multiple generations of viewers and readers.
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Sources: CNA, China.org.cn
