Esta TerBlanche, best known for her role on “All My Children,” has passed away at the age of 51, her manager confirmed to PEOPLE on Sunday.
“We are deeply saddened by this news,” said her manager, Annie Spoliansky, in a statement. “Esta was such a kind, loving, giving, and caring person.”
Spoliansky noted TerBlanche’s deep compassion for people and animals. “She cared so deeply for all people and animals,” she said. “She had squirrels she fed and looked after daily, her two cats, and recent kittens that she cared for as her own children.”
Reflecting on their personal relationship, Spoliansky added, “Esta was never anything but generous and lovely to me. I’m grateful to have known her for the time that I did and devastated to learn of her passing.”
The cause of the South African actress’s death remains unknown. Authorities believe TerBlanche had been dead for about a day when her body was found, according to Deadline.
TerBlanche gained fame for her portrayal of Gillian Andrassy Lavery on “All My Children” from 1997 to 2001. Her character, a Hungarian princess, had a notable romance with Ryan Lavery, played by Cameron Mathison.
“RIP my Sweet Princess,” Mathison, 54, wrote on Instagram Stories, sharing a photo of the two in character. He also posted another photo of them together, adorned with broken heart emojis.
“Esta helped me last year when Red was sick and paralyzed, and I was struggling,” Mathison shared over a recent selfie of the pair. “One of the sweetest people ever.”
In the photo, Mathison smiles as TerBlanche makes a kissing face near his cheek.
TerBlanche’s career began after she was crowned Miss Teen South Africa in 1991. Born in South Africa on January 7, 1973, she starred as Bienkie Naudé Hartman on the popular South African drama “Egoli: Place of Gold” before joining “All My Children.”
