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‘All My Children’ Star Esta TerBlanche Dies at 51
Esta TerBlanche, the renowned soap opera actress celebrated for her role as Gillian Andrassy on All My Children, has passed away at the age of 51.
TerBlanche’s death was announced on Facebook by her friend and agent, Lisa Rodrigo. Rodrigo mentioned that TerBlanche died on Thursday of natural causes, though an autopsy report is still pending. “I am still processing and in shock,” Rodrigo shared. “Esta was a beautiful soul in and out. I was proud to know her and work with her.”
Born in Rustenberg, South Africa in 1973, TerBlanche gained prominence in her homeland by winning Miss Teen South Africa in 1991. This accolade paved the way for her entry into television. She made her small screen debut on the South African soap Egoli: Place of Gold, where she starred from 1992 to 1995.
In the late 1990s, TerBlanche moved to the United States and soon landed her most notable role as Gillian on ABC’s daytime drama All My Children in 1997. Her character, Gillian, was depicted as a Hungarian princess living with her cousin Dimitri, portrayed by Michael Nader. TerBlanche’s chemistry with actor Cameron Mathison led to a popular storyline where their characters, Ryan Lavery and Gillian, transitioned from enemies to lovers.
Despite her immense popularity, TerBlanche left All My Children in 2001 after her character was killed off. Gillian made sporadic appearances subsequently, including as a ghost and during the show’s final weeks on ABC. She revealed in an interview with Soap Opera Digest earlier this month that her departure was at her own request, as she wished to return to South Africa.
Upon returning to her home country, TerBlanche opened a spa and participated in South African documentaries and television projects. In recent years, she spent more time in the U.S. She expressed her interest in returning to soap operas, stating to Soap Opera Digest, “it’s definitely something I would like to get back into.”
Esta TerBlanche is survived by her father and her sister.
Source: Particle News
