Summary (tl;dr)

Veteran Taiwanese entertainer Cao Xiping (曹西平) has passed away at the age of 66 in his New Taipei City home, with his godson discovering his death. The news has shocked the entertainment industry and sparked public discussion, particularly concerning his long-standing strained relationship with his biological family and his wishes regarding his inheritance.

Essential Background

Cao Xiping, often referred to as "Brother Four" due to his排行 in his family, was a prominent figure in Taiwanese entertainment for over 40 years. He rose to fame in the 1980s as a dynamic singer with hits like "Wild Youth" (野性的青春) and later became a beloved television personality known for his direct, no-nonsense style and his iconic catchphrase, "You ugly monster!" (你這個醜八怪). In the early 2000s, he temporarily stepped away from the spotlight due to personal struggles, including significant family debt and a deep estrangement from his biological siblings, who he claimed refused to help shoulder financial burdens and visit their father. This fractured relationship led him to publicly declare his intention to leave his estate to his godson, Jeremy, who had been a close companion and caregiver for many years.

The Full Story

Cao Xiping was found deceased at his residence in Sanchong District, New Taipei City, on the evening of December 29, 2025, by his godson, Jeremy. Emergency services were called, but upon arrival, paramedics confirmed he showed clear signs of death, including rigor mortis and lividity, indicating he had passed away some time prior. Police have ruled out foul play, with preliminary findings suggesting natural causes, possibly related to underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, which he reportedly did not regularly monitor.

Following his passing, Jeremy publicly appealed for Cao Xiping's biological family to grant him full authority to handle the funeral arrangements, as his non-biological relationship posed legal obstacles in overseeing the proceedings. Reports indicate that Cao Xiping's biological siblings have expressed reluctance to manage the funeral, raising concerns that his body might face a temporary designation as "unclaimed" if immediate family does not step forward or authorize his godson. This situation highlights his previously stated wish that his biological relatives should not have access to his assets, as he had reportedly prepared a will to bequeath his entire estate to Jeremy.

Why It Matters

The passing of Cao Xiping has deeply affected the Taiwanese entertainment industry and his broad fan base, who admired his candid personality and enduring presence. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow celebrities and fans, mourning the loss of a unique and irreplaceable voice. Beyond the emotional impact, the circumstances surrounding his inheritance and his estranged biological family have ignited public discourse on the complexities of estate planning, particularly in cases where individuals have strong personal relationships outside traditional family structures. The legal implications of his will, especially concerning the "compulsory portion" (特留分) in Taiwanese inheritance law, are now a subject of intense public and legal interest. Additionally, his death in winter has served as a somber reminder of the increased risk of sudden health complications during colder months, prompting medical professionals to issue warnings about managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure and the importance of regular check-ups.

Geographic Location

• Sanchong District, New Taipei City, Taiwan (location of his passing)
• Banqiao Funeral Parlor, Banqiao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan (where his body was temporarily stored for examination)