Time: 2024-07-22
Esta TerBlanche , a former Miss Teen South Africa and star of Egoli : Place of Gold , joined All My Children in 1997 as Gillian Andrassy , a troublesome Hungarian princess who captivated fans with her enemies - to - lovers storyline alongside Cameron Mathison . The duo 's chemistry on - screen was magical , with TerBlanche cherishing every moment on the show . After Gillian 's heartbreaking death in 2001 , TerBlanche made a ghostly return a decade later , bringing closure to her character 's arc.
TerBlanche 's post - AMC life led her back to South Africa , where she delved into various projects , including hosting TV shows and working on documentaries . She found joy in exploring her passion for animals , working on rescue projects and spending time with her pets , including a Persian cat and friendly wild squirrels . Additionally , TerBlanche was actively involved in a cancer foundation , Create Your Breakthrough , driven by personal experiences with the disease.
Unfortunately , tragedy struck when Esta TerBlanche passed away unexpectedly at the age of 51 . Her goddaughter , Barbie Ashley , confirmed the heartbreaking news , revealing that TerBlanche had been found deceased in her North Hollywood home . The actress 's sudden death left fans and colleagues in mourning , with her representative emphasizing that the circumstances surrounding her passing were under investigation.
Despite her departure from acting after All My Children , TerBlanche expressed a desire to return to Hollywood , hinting at potential future collaborations with Mathison . Their close bond extended beyond the screen , with TerBlanche recounting a heartfelt experience of caring for Mathison 's ailing dog , Red . Her dedication to both her craft and charitable endeavors left a lasting impact on those around her.
Esta TerBlanche 's legacy is one of talent , compassion , and resilience . From her early days as a beauty queen to her memorable portrayal of Gillian Andrassy , TerBlanche touched the hearts of many . Her passion for animal welfare , involvement in cancer advocacy , and unwavering spirit in the face of personal challenges exemplify her commitment to making a difference in the world . As fans and loved ones mourn her passing , TerBlanche 's enduring impact as an actress and humanitarian will be fondly remembered.