Check out why ‘Bling Empire: New York’ is better than the original
Can you imagine losing the queen of bling? The glam world is grieving as the fabulous Anna Shay, the scene-stealer from Netflix’s dazzling reality hit Bling Empire, has left us too soon at 62.
Anna’s family conveyed the tragic news through Netflix, which was then shared by USA TODAY. This endearing matriarch, mother, grandmother, and one of the most charming stars of Bling Empire, suffered a stroke. The family’s statement spoke of Anna as someone who never took life too seriously and basked in the finer things. Her lively spirit will be cherished by all who knew her.
Let’s take a look at her impact and see why nobody will be able to replace her.
Star dims
Bling Empire took the world by storm in 2021, peeling back the curtain on the extravagant lives of LA’s ultra-rich Asian American elite. The show is like being served caviar on a golden platter, with a side of drama!
The whirlwind romance and rivalry between the graceful Anna Shay and the posh Christine Chiu, along with the passionate love triangle involving the fierce Kelly Mi Li, hunky Kevin Kreider, and the dashing “Power Rangers” actor Andrew Gray, kept us on our toes.
But who was Anna before the world fell in love with her lavish on-screen presence? Born in Japan, she was the daughter of American business tycoon Edward Shay and the enchanting Ai Oizumi Shay.
Anna, along with her brother, sold their father’s company for a cool $1.2 billion, according to Tatler. Private at heart, Anna was married four times, keeping her ex-husbands’ identities under wraps. She leaves behind her son, Kenny Kemp.
When Anna graced Bling Empire, she was the epitome of opulence and class. But the spotlight was never something she chased. Talking to People in 2021, she remarked, “I wasn’t even expecting to be in front of the camera,” attributing her involvement to just being herself.
Family Mourns
Her co-stars are heartbroken. Kevin Kreider’s touching tribute on Instagram reminded us to never take a moment for granted. Kim Lee, another Bling Empire gem, expressed her shock to Variety, reminiscing about the precious bond she shared with Anna outside the show.
Bling Empire was much more than a glitzy escape; it was a game changer for Asian representation in entertainment. It’s like the reality TV cousin of Crazy Rich Asians. While we were treated to eye-popping fashion and ritzy parties, the show also tapped into the deeper facets of the Asian American experience.
Amid the shimmer and Botox parties, Bling Empire carved a niche by presenting the cast’s diverse backgrounds, hailing from China, Korea, Singapore, Japan, and Vietnam. It was refreshing to see these individuals as three-dimensional characters, each embracing their unique cultural heritage. Kelly Mi Li mentioned to USA TODAY that showcasing the cultural diversity of Asian Americans was one of the show’s aims.
Bridging Cultures
We witness Kevin’s journey of self-discovery as an adopted Korean American, and Christine’s emotional struggle with cultural expectations. The show reflects the balance between Eastern traditions and Western flamboyance. The stars might flaunt their luxe car collections, but they also engage with their roots through cultural ceremonies and traditions.
As the curtain falls on Anna’s flamboyant chapter, we’re reminded of the cultural richness she brought to our screens. Her legacy will continue to shine as an emblem of vivacious living. In her memory, let’s pop that champagne, deck out in our fanciest garb, and remember – life is too short to not be fabulous.
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