The lovely and talented Esta TerBlanche, who dazzled our screens as the glamorous Gillian Andrassy on ABC’s All My Children, has made her final exit stage left at the age of 51. Her family has confirmed that she has taken her last bow, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and an impressive collection of dramatic eye-rolls.
TMZ reported that her goddaughter found her in her North Hollywood home, having unfortunately departed for that great soap opera in the sky. The cause of her passing remains a mystery, much like the true contents of a soap opera star’s handbag.
Esta’s glittering career began in 1991 when she snagged the crown of Miss Teen South Africa, dazzling everyone with her beauty and charm. She soon swapped tiaras for soap operas, playing the role of Beatrice “Bienkie” Naudé Hartman in Egoli: Place of Gold, the first South African soap opera that ran from 1992 to 2013. She said her goodbyes to the show in 1995, probably because her character had run out of dramatic gasps and longing stares.
In 1997, Esta strutted her stuff onto the set of All My Children as Gillian, a character who had more romantic misadventures than a rom-com protagonist. Sent to Pine Valley after embarrassing her family one too many times, she quickly became a fan favorite, mostly because we all secretly wished we had her flair for the dramatic.
Esta’s talent didn’t stop there. She also graced us with her presence in projects like K-T.V., Three Thieves and a Wedding, The Syndicate, and even Spin City. Clearly, she was a woman of many talents and plot twists.
Our hearts go out to Esta TerBlanche’s loved ones during this difficult time. While we bid farewell to a star who has left our screens too soon, let’s remember the laughs, the tears, and the countless moments of TV magic she gifted us.
