Esta TerBlanche, ‘All My Children’ Star, Dies at 51
Ms. TerBlanche played Gillian Andrassy, a Hungarian princess whose story line was beloved by fans.
Esta TerBlanche, a beloved South African actress known for her role in the popular soap opera "All My Children," has passed away at the young age of 51. Ms. TerBlanche's publicist, Lisa Rodrigo, confirmed her death, with the cause currently pending an autopsy report. From 1997 to 2001, she captivated audiences as Gillian Andrassy, a Hungarian princess with a riveting enemies-to-lovers storyline. Born in Rustenburg, South Africa, Ms. TerBlanche began her career at 16, hosting children's and educational shows. She also held the title of Miss Teen South Africa in 1991. Before "All My Children," she played Bienke Naudé Hartman on the South African soap opera "Egoli: Place of Gold."
Ms. TerBlanche's journey to the United States at 23 marked a pivotal point in her career. Despite initial doubts, she persevered, and her audition for "All My Children" led to her iconic role. Appearing in over 100 episodes, she charmed viewers with her character's unique dialogue, often incorporating her own line flubs. Her on-screen chemistry with Cameron Mathison, who played her love interest, was electric and spontaneous. Ms. TerBlanche's impact on the show was so significant that her character's departure in 2001 mirrored the soap opera's classic style—returning as a ghost in a 2011 episode.
Beyond "All My Children," Ms. TerBlanche's credits included appearances on "Spin City" and hosting roles on various shows. After her time on the soap opera, she shifted her focus to charity work and explored interests in healing. She divided her time between Los Angeles and South Africa, eventually contemplating a return to acting. This contemplation materialized in projects like the short film "Germination" and documentaries by filmmaker Michael Kastenbaum. Esta TerBlanche leaves behind a legacy of talent and a character beloved by fans, with her family and friends cherishing her memory.
Ms. TerBlanche's journey to the United States at 23 marked a pivotal point in her career. Despite initial doubts, she persevered, and her audition for "All My Children" led to her iconic role. Appearing in over 100 episodes, she charmed viewers with her character's unique dialogue, often incorporating her own line flubs. Her on-screen chemistry with Cameron Mathison, who played her love interest, was electric and spontaneous. Ms. TerBlanche's impact on the show was so significant that her character's departure in 2001 mirrored the soap opera's classic style—returning as a ghost in a 2011 episode.
Beyond "All My Children," Ms. TerBlanche's credits included appearances on "Spin City" and hosting roles on various shows. After her time on the soap opera, she shifted her focus to charity work and explored interests in healing. She divided her time between Los Angeles and South Africa, eventually contemplating a return to acting. This contemplation materialized in projects like the short film "Germination" and documentaries by filmmaker Michael Kastenbaum. Esta TerBlanche leaves behind a legacy of talent and a character beloved by fans, with her family and friends cherishing her memory.