BREAKOUT “BLING EMPIRE” STAR ANNA SHAY, FOUND DEAD AT 62

According to family, Shay died after suffering a stroke, shocking Los Angeles’ high society. Anna Shay’s father was Edward Shay; the founder of defence giant Pacific Architects and Engineers.

Anna Shay in episode 7 “Kevin and Kane Take Charleston” of Bling Empire: Season 1 | Credit: NBC News

Anna Shay, 62, a fan favourite Bling Empire breakout star and heiress has died. The reality star was born and raised in Japan, before relocating to Los Angeles with her family in 1968.

Shay told OprahMag.com in 2021 that she had no idea what she was getting into when she joined Bling Empire, which follows a group of Asian-American ultra-wealthy socialites.

“It saddens our hearts to announce that Anna Shay, a loving mother, grandmother, charismatic star, and our own brightest ray of sunshine, has passed away,” the family said in the statement.

“Anna taught us many life lessons on how not to take life too seriously and to enjoy the finer things. Her impact on our lives will be forever missed but never forgotten.”

The Shay Family

The 2021 premiere of Bling Empire drew comparisons to the blockbuster film “Crazy Rich Asians”. Netflix released a statement in April citing that Bling Empire is not set to renew for a fourth season.

Shay, a fan favourite on the show, was a fixture in Los Angeles high society. She was the only daughter of American billionaire defence contractor Edward Shay and Ai-San – his half-Japanese, half-Russian wife.

Shay said in the Oprah interview that her mother once told her, “You were born in a crystal ball with a silver spoon.’”

Her only son, Kenny Kemp, earned himself a bit of the spotlight as well, briefly appearing on the series and amassing a huge collection of pricey bongs, according to BuzzFeed News.

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