Esta TerBlanche, known for her role as Gillian Andrassy on “All My Children”, has passed away at 51 from natural causes. An autopsy report is pending.
“I am still processing and in shock,” Rodrigo wrote.
“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, Esta TerBlanche gained fame after winning Miss Teen South Africa in 1991.
She transitioned to television, making her debut on the South African soap “Egoli: Place of Gold”, where she starred from 1992 to 1995.
In the late 1990s, Esta TerBlanche moved to the U.S. and landed her most notable role as Gillian on ABC’s “All My Children” in 1997.
Her character, a Hungarian princess, lived with her cousin Dimitri, portrayed by Michael Nader. TerBlanche’s storyline included a popular enemies-to-lovers arc with Cameron Mathison’s character, Ryan Lavery.
Esta TerBlanche left “All My Children” in 2001 at her own request, after her character was killed off. She returned to South Africa, where she opened a spa and appeared in local media.
She had recently been spending time in the U.S. and was interested in returning to soap operas. She is survived by her father and sister.
