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Vancouver-raised Taiwanese model-actor Godfrey Gao dies on set

Taiwanese-Canadian model-actor Godfrey Gao has died after suffering an apparent heart attack while on set in China.

 FILE - In this August 12, 2013, file photo, actor Godfrey Gao arrives at the world premiere of FILE – In this August 12, 2013, file photo, actor Godfrey Gao arrives at the world premiere of “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” at the ArcLight Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles. Gao has passed away while on set from an apparent heart attack. The 35-year-old Gao has passed away while on set from an apparent heart attack. Gao had been while filming a sports reality show in the eastern Chinese city of Ningbo on Wednesday when he died. His agency, JetStar Entertainment, confirmed his death on its official Facebook page. (Photo by Dan Steinberg/Invision/AP)

HONG KONG — Taiwanese-Canadian model-actor Godfrey Gao has died after suffering an apparent heart attack while on set in China.

Gao was filming a sports reality show in the eastern Chinese city of Ningbo on Wednesday when he died. His agency, JetStar Entertainment, confirmed his death on its official Facebook page.

The 35-year-old was filming “Chase Me,” a Chinese variety series, when he reportedly fell while running. He was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to his agency.

The Taiwan-born and Vancouver-raised Gao initially rose to fame by becoming the first Asian male model for the luxury brand Louis Vuitton. He acted in numerous television dramas and movies, including a role in the Hollywood film “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.”

Among his many projects were his participation in high-profile campaigns tied to the Vancouver area, including a Destination Canada campaign to promote B.C. to Chinese visitors, and marking the launch of the McArthur Glen Designer Outlets in Richmond.

His body will be transported Wednesday to Taipei, Taiwan’s capital.

  • The Associated Press, with additional reporting by Vancouver Is Awesome