We’re not starting a cult but some followers on Instagram would be nice. Thank you.
Anna Shay has died of a stroke. She was 62.
Netflix shared a statement with CNN by Anna’s family, who called her “a loving mother, grandmother, charismatic star, and our brightest ray of sunshine.”
The billionaire heiress was a star on Bling Empire, a reality series following the lives of crazy rich Asians in Los Angeles and New York.
Anna was known for her generosity, gifting co-star Kevin Kreider luxury items on the show. Kevin, a model, was less well-to-do compared to his obscenely rich friends.
The show also depicted Anna’s feud with another socialite, Christine Chiu.
Family background
Image via Netflix
Anna’s money came from generational wealth, as her father Edward Shay was the founder of Pacific Architects and Engineers, an American defence and government services contractor.
Singaporean cast member Kane Lim previously explained that Shay’s father dealt with weapons, selling “bombs, guns, [and] defence technology.”
In 2006, the heiress and her brother made US$1.2 billion (S$1.62 billion) from selling their shares of the company.
Anna’s mother Ai Oizumi Shay, on the other hand, was a Russian-Japanese businesswoman who exported pearls and silk flowers after World War II.
Tributes
Bling Empire actors have put out dedications to Anna after news of her passing.
Calling her death “unexpected”, Kevin reminisced about their last lunch together and wished that he had gone on one last adventure with the socialite.
View this post on Instagram
Kevin’s adopted mum, who briefly appeared on the show, left a comment on his post, speaking well of Anna:
Kane talked a little about spending most of the pandemic with Shay, where they did grocery shopping and “silly things”, along with “slaying it” on luxury street Rodeo Drive.
“We had a real friendship and though the show made things or even portrayed us a little crazy at times you knew who I really was as a person and had my back in the end,” he added.
View this post on Instagram
Christine expressed her condolences in an Instagram Story, alluding to a personal scene with Anna that was never aired:
Anna leaves behind her son, Kenny Kemp, 28.
Top image via Anna’s Instagram page.
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