In a heartbreaking loss to the entertainment world, South African actress Esta TerBlanche, best known for her role in “All My Children,” passed away unexpectedly at the age of 51. The actress was found at her North Hollywood home last Thursday, her goddaughter Barbie Ashley confirmed to TMZ.
Medical personnel believe TerBlanche had been deceased for about a day before being discovered, adding a layer of tragedy to her untimely death. Her representative, Lisa Rodrigo, informed TMZ that the circumstances surrounding her passing are currently under investigation.
TerBlanche first captured public attention when she won Miss Teen South Africa in 1991, a testament to her beauty and charisma. Her first acting break came with the role of Bienkie Naudé Hartman on South Africa’s pioneering soap opera, “Egoli: Place of Gold,” from 1992 to 1995.
In 1997, TerBlanche’s talent and charm crossed international borders when she was cast as Gillian Andrassy, a Hungarian princess, on the popular American soap opera “All My Children.” Her character’s journey from a spoiled and arrogant girl to a compassionate and kind woman resonated with audiences and cemented her place in daytime television history. Although her character was killed off in 2001, TerBlanche made a brief but memorable return in 2011, appearing as a ghost.
Reflecting on her return to “All My Children,” TerBlanche shared with Soap Opera Digest just a week before her death, “When I came back, it was really emotional for me and Cameron [Mathison]. When we saw each other, we both started bawling. Back then, we hadn’t seen each other for years, so it was such a touching moment for us.”
After leaving “All My Children,” TerBlanche stepped away from acting and returned to South Africa. She stayed active in her community and devoted much of her time to meaningful causes, including her involvement with the South Africa cancer foundation, Create Your Breakthrough. “It’s about helping people with cancer get the treatments they need and help fight this really awful disease,” she said. TerBlanche’s passion for this cause was deeply personal, as she lost her mother to cancer and her father is also battling the disease.
In a poignant anecdote, TerBlanche recently shared a touching story about babysitting Cameron Mathison’s dog, Red, who had cancer. “He was supposed to stay a day, but I kept saying he could stay longer, and after five nights, he started to walk, and it was such an amazing experience,” she recounted. Although Red eventually passed away, the experience underscored her compassionate and nurturing spirit.
TerBlanche’s personal life saw its own share of ups and downs. She was married to André Kock from 1997 until their divorce in 2008. Despite the challenges, she remained a beloved figure to her fans and colleagues, remembered for her warmth, talent, and dedication to causes close to her heart.
Esta TerBlanche’s untimely death is a significant loss, but her legacy as a talented actress and compassionate advocate will continue to inspire. As we mourn her passing, we remember her contributions to entertainment and her tireless efforts to support those battling cancer. Rest in peace, Esta TerBlanche. Your light shone brightly and will not be forgotten.
