Esta TerBlanche, best known for starring in All My Children, has died aged 51.
The South African star passed away on Thursday (July 18) at her home, according to the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. Her cause of death is under investigation.
Her publicist, Lisa Rodrigo, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Facebook, writing: “I can not believe I am posting this. It’s with a heavy heart that my friend and client Esta TerBlanche passed away Thursday of natural causes.
"An autopsy report is pending. I am still processing and in shock."
She continued: “Esta was a beautiful soul in and out. I was proud to know her and work with her. More to come in the days ahead.
"Thank you for the messages so far. If I haven’t gotten to you, I will soon," she concluded. “May she RIP with the angels that she is.”
TerBlanche was born on January 7, 1973, in Rustenburg, a city in the North West province of South Africa.
She found fame after playing the troublesome Hungarian princess Gillian on the soap opera from 1997 to 2001. Her storyline with Cameron Mathison’s Ryan Lavery was extremely popular with viewers.
The star's appearance on the series ended when Lavery removed Gillian from life support after an assassin shot her in a case of mistaken identity.
She returned as Gillian’s ghost for one episode in 2011, as the TV drama concluded its four-decade run on ABC.
“When I came back, it was really emotional for me and Cameron. When we saw each other, we both started bawling,” TerBlanche told Soap Opera Digest in an interview published on July 13. “Back then, we hadn’t seen each other for years, so it was such a touching moment for us.”
The actress returned to South Africa after completing her run on All My Children and opened a spa. She also worked with filmmaker Michael Kastenbaum on documentaries and hosted television shows like Supermodel and Carte Blanche.
Many fans have taken to social media to express their sadness over the devastating news of TerBlanche's passing.
"Rest in Peace Esta TerBlanche. Thank you for entertaining us with your beautiful and captivating performance. We will miss you, Princess," one user wrote.
"R. I. P. Esta TerBlanche, may flights of angels sing you to your rest. Never had the fortune to meet Esta, but from everything anyone who has they say she was the genuine charm you saw on screen; maybe that's why we loved her so much on All My Children wanting to see her again," a second shared.
A third added: "Our thoughts & prayers go out to Esta TerBlanche's family, friends, & colleagues. RIP Esta."
TerBlanche's costar Mathison also shared a tribute post on his Instagram Story, writing that the late actress helped him last year when his dog was "sick and paralyzed," adding: "One of the sweetest people ever."
Our thoughts are with the actress' family and friends at this heartbreaking time.
