All alumni of All My Children, not long before her sudden death, Esta TerBlanche hinted at a desire to return to soap operas.
She was 51 years old when she passed away.
According to TMZ, Esta’s family reported that she died suddenly in her North Hollywood home. Medical staff believe she had been dead for a day before her body was discovered. The cause of her death is currently under investigation.
In an interview with Soap Opera Digest a few weeks prior, Esta suggested she was looking to return to daytime TV. Living in both South Africa and the US, she shared with the outlet, “It’s definitely something I would like to get back into.”
Before her character was killed off in 2001, Esta portrayed the troubled Hungarian princess Gillian Andrassy on All My Children. A decade later, she reprised her role as Gillian’s ghost during the final weeks of the soap opera’s run. In April 2011, ABC announced that the long-running show would end after 41 years.
“It was very emotional for Cameron Mathison and me when I got back,” Esta said about reuniting with her co-star, Ryan Lavery, who played her on-screen love interest. “Seeing each other made us both cry.”
After her character Gillian expressed a desire to return to South Africa, Esta decided to exit the show. However, more than 20 years later, she was ready to return to soap operas, hoping to do so alongside Cameron, who is now 54.
Fans of All My Children paid tribute to Esta on social media following her death. They posted an old photo of her with Cameron on set, accompanied by the heartfelt message, “Rest in Peace, Esta TerBlanche. Thanks for making us laugh with your beautiful and captivating performance. Princess, we will miss you.”
In the comments, fans expressed their sorrow over Esta’s passing:
“No way! This is bad news. I’m sorry for Esta’s family, friends, and coworkers’ loss. I remember her as Gillian Andrassy on All My Children. Rest in peace in heaven,” one person wrote.
“She and Cameron Mathison were incredible together; he’s never had chemistry with anyone else like her since,” said another.
“This is really sad. My heart hurts for her family, friends, and everyone who knew or liked her. She was truly great!” added a third.
“What the heck! Loved her as Gillian!” exclaimed a fourth.
Esta was also known for her leading role in the popular South African drama Egoli: Place of Gold and for being Miss Teen South Africa.