Editor's note:
Well-known contemporary author Chiung Yao's novels have spawned 70 films and TV series. Many young actresses and actors rose to fame overnight after appearing in these adaptations.
Recently, it was not one of her 52 novels that drew attention to the 79-year-old writer, but her will. She has asked her son and daughter-in-law not to try to save her life if she develops a terminal disease. Instead she expressed her support for voluntary euthanasia to die quickly and gracefully.
Her statement sounds romantic and idealist, like the stories she wrote.
Here are 10 films and TV adaptations from Chiung's novels and the stars her stories have created.
Outside the Window and Brigitte Lin
Outside the Window is Chiung's maiden work published in 1963. The 1973 film adaptation starred Brigitte Lin who later became an iconic contemporary actress.
The film focuses on a romance between a teenage girl and her senior high school teacher.
Lin went on to play leading roles in about 10 adaptations of Chiung's novels.
Cloud of Romance and Terry Hu
While Chiung usually engineered a happy ending for the characters who fight for love, Cloud of Romance is an exceptional tragedy.
Terry Hu, who was a very popular actress in Taiwan at the time, played a supporting role in the 1977 film adaptation. The film also starred three famous actors, Brigitte Lin, Qin Han and Charlie Lin.
Chiung wrote the lyrics for the theme song sung by veteran singer Fong Feifei.
