US actress Esta TerBlanche, renowned for her role in “All My Children,” passed away in Los Angeles at 51, her spokesperson confirmed to the media.
The cause of her death has not yet been determined and is currently under investigation by the Department of Medical Examiner’s Office, which has noted the presence of “other significant conditions.”
TerBlanche, who died on Friday, July 19, passed away at her residence in North Hollywood, according to her representative Annie Spoliansky. Spoliansky remembered TerBlanche fondly, describing her as a compassionate and nurturing individual who cared deeply for people and animals alike. She highlighted TerBlanche’s dedication to feeding and caring for squirrels, along with her affection for her cats and recently adopted kittens, whom she treated as her own children.
Reflecting on TerBlanche’s character and impact, Spoliansky expressed gratitude for their time together and expressed deep sadness at her passing. TerBlanche gained prominence for her role as Gillian Andrassy on the popular ABC daytime drama “All My Children.” She joined the show in 1997, appearing in over 100 episodes before her character’s departure in 2001. Despite this, TerBlanche returned in 2011 to reprise her role as a ghost, a moment she described as profoundly emotional in an interview with Soap Opera Digest shortly before her death.
TerBlanche’s career began in her native South Africa, where she hosted the children’s program K-T.V. from 1990 to 1995 and won the Miss Teen South Africa crown in 1991. She later moved back to South Africa but expressed a desire to return to Hollywood, emphasizing her eagerness to reengage with her acting career.
