According to the New York Post, South African actress Esta TerBlanche, best known for her role in the American soap opera "All My Children," has died at the age of 51.
TerBlanche passed away unexpectedly on Thursday at her North Hollywood home, with the circumstances of her death now under investigation.
Esta TerBlanche, who gained fame following her Miss Teen South Africa win in 1991, died suddenly, according to Barbie Ashley, who described the event as “unexpected.” The actress, who had a significant impact on both South African and American television, was found to have been dead for about a day before medical personnel arrived.
The investigation surrounding TerBlanche’s death is ongoing. Lisa Rodrigo commented that the star's passing is officially “under investigation.” Fans and colleagues alike are left in shock as they await further information.
After winning Miss Teen South Africa, TerBlanche's acting career began with her role as Bienkie Naudé Hartman on "Egoli: Place of Gold," South Africa’s first soap opera, which she starred in from 1992 to 1995. Her notable performance there paved the way for her future in television.
In 1997, TerBlanche was cast as Gillian Andrassy on "All My Children," marking her entry into American television. Initially portrayed as spoiled and arrogant, her character evolved over time into a kinder persona, endearing her to a broad audience.
Gillian Andrassy's journey on "All My Children" ended tragically in 2001 when the character was killed off. Despite this, TerBlanche reprised her role in 2011 for the show’s closing years, returning as a spectral presence in a touching nod to her enduring legacy.
In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, published just a week before her untimely death, TerBlanche reflected on her return to “All My Children.” She recounted the emotional reunion with Cameron Mathison, her co-star, highlighting how her comeback was poignant for both of them. Her words capture the strong bonds formed during her time on the show.
After her stint on “All My Children” concluded following the show’s end in 2013, TerBlanche returned to South Africa. She spoke candidly about her desire to re-enter the Hollywood scene and was spending more time in the U.S. in anticipation of reigniting her acting career.
Her career beyond television included significant philanthropic work, particularly with the South Africa Cancer Foundation Create Your Breakthrough. Driven by her parents' battles with cancer, her commitment to the cause was deeply personal. She expressed a strong hope for medical advancements and a cure for what she described as a "heartbreaking" disease.
TerBlanche’s efforts extended beyond the screen, reflecting a passion for helping others. Her involvement with Create Your Breakthrough was a key aspect of her life. In a heartfelt statement, she shared the emotional impact of losing her mother to cancer and her father's ongoing battle with the illness.
Additionally, TerBlanche cherished her friendships and connections within the industry, often sharing personal stories. One particular memory involved babysitting a co-star’s dog suffering from cancer, an experience she found profoundly moving. Her personal life included her marriage to André Kock in 1997, which ended in divorce in 2008. Despite this, it appears that TerBlanche maintained a positive outlook on relationships and continued to build meaningful connections.
Esta TerBlanche, an accomplished South African actress, passed away at 51 under currently investigated circumstances. Renowned for her roles in “Egoli: Place of Gold” and “All My Children,” she had returned to the U.S. to rekindle her acting career. Her involvement with cancer advocacy marked her commitment to fighting the disease. Fans and colleagues are deeply saddened by her sudden death.
