According to the Hollywood Reporter, Esta TerBlanche, beloved for her role as Gillian Andrassy on the soap opera All My Children, died at 51.
TerBlanche's passing on Thursday was due to natural causes, and an autopsy report is pending.
Born in 1973 in Rustenburg, South Africa, Esta TerBlanche first gained attention in her home country by winning Miss Teen South Africa in 1991. She transitioned into television with her debut on the South African soap "Egoli: Place of Gold," where she starred from 1992 to 1995.
TerBlanche's character, Gillian, was a Hungarian princess sent to live with her cousin Dimitri, played by Michael Nader. Her storyline on "All My Children" became particularly popular due to her on-screen chemistry with Cameron Mathison, who played Ryan Lavery. Their characters' "enemies to lovers" arc captivated audiences and solidified her status as a soap opera star.
Despite her popularity, TerBlanche left "All My Children" in 2001 after her character was killed off. However, she made sporadic appearances on the show in later years, including a notable return as a ghost and in the show's final weeks on ABC. TerBlanche revealed to Soap Opera Digest earlier this month that she chose to leave the show to return to South Africa.
In South Africa, TerBlanche opened a spa and continued her television career by appearing in documentaries and other TV programs. In recent years, she spent more time in the United States and expressed interest in returning to soap operas.
TerBlanche's decision to move to the United States in the late 1990s marked a significant turning point in her career. Her portrayal of Gillian Andrassy in "All My Children" earned her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. The role allowed her to showcase her acting range and brought her international recognition.
After leaving "All My Children," TerBlanche's character made occasional comebacks, much to the delight of fans. Her ability to seamlessly step back into the role demonstrated her enduring talent and connection to the character. Despite her return to South Africa, she remained a beloved figure in the soap opera community.
Her friend and agent, Lisa Rodrigo, announced TerBlanche's passing on Facebook, expressing her shock and sadness. Rodrigo wrote, "I am still processing and in shock. Esta was a beautiful soul in and out. I was proud to know her and work with her."
Back in South Africa, TerBlanche continued to make an impact in the entertainment industry. She opened a spa and appeared in various South African documentaries and TV shows. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her craft were evident throughout her career.
In interviews, TerBlanche spoke fondly of her time on "All My Children" and expressed a desire to return to soap operas. In a recent interview with Soap Opera Digest, she said, "It’s definitely something I would like to get back into." Her passion for acting never waned, and she remained hopeful about future opportunities.
TerBlanche is survived by her father and sister. Her contributions to the entertainment industry, both in South Africa and the United States, left a lasting legacy. Fans and colleagues alike remember her for her talent, kindness, and the warmth she brought to every role she played.
Esta TerBlanche's passing is a significant loss to the soap opera community and her fans worldwide. Her journey from Miss Teen South Africa to an internationally recognized actress in "All My Children" is a testament to her talent and determination, leaving a lasting impact with her captivating performances. Her legacy continues through the lives she touched and the characters she brought to life, ensuring she will be remembered for years to come.
