South African Soap Actress Dies at 51

Esta TerBlanche, the beloved star of “All My Children,” passed away unexpectedly at age 51, according to TMZ. The South African actress was discovered deceased in her North Hollywood home on Thursday, having reportedly been dead for about a day.

Her goddaughter, Barbie Ashley, confirmed the news, while her representative, Lisa Rodrigo, stated that the cause of death remains under investigation. TerBlanche’s death follows the recent passing of her co-star Alec Musser earlier this year.

TerBlanche’s career soared after winning Miss Teen South Africa in 1991. She became famous for her role as Gillian Andrassy on “All My Children” and as Bienkie Naudé Hartman on the South African drama “Egolim.”

After her “All My Children” character was written off in 2001, she moved back to South Africa, married André Kock in 1997, and later divorced in 2008. TerBlanche had taken a break from acting, returned to Los Angeles, and opened a healing spa.

She is survived by her ex-husband Kock and her goddaughter. Her passing is particularly poignant as it comes after Musser’s death at age 50. Musser’s fiancée, Paige Press, described his passing as the “worst day of my life,” expressing her grief over Instagram with heartfelt tributes.

Fans and family are left mourning the sudden loss of TerBlanche, a star whose legacy in the world of soap operas remains indelible.