Lauren B. Martin Issues Statement on Esta TerBlanche Photo Mix-Up

Like many in the daytime community, actress Lauren B. Martin was saddened to learn of the death of All My Children star Esta TerBlanche . However, the situation became even more personal for her when many news outlets mistakenly used a photo of Martin and identified her as TerBlanche, leading to calls from family and friends checking to make sure she was okay.

Although best known for playing Camille on As The World Turns , Martin also had roles on Another World, Guiding Light, and AMC. But because photo service Getty Images had a photo of her from an awards show misidentifying her as Esta TerBlanche, many news outlets, including big ones like Deadline , People , Entertainment Weekly , and USA Today , didn’t realize the error and ran the photo of Martin with TerBlanche’s obituary.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Esta TerBlanche’s passing,” Martin wrote in a statement. “Esta was a beloved colleague, whose talent and warmth touched the lives of many. Her creative contributions, especially her unforgettable role on the iconic AMC, will be forever cherished and remembered. Sadly, I must also address a serious and unfortunate error. Several major news outlets used a photograph of me instead of Esta in their coverage.The use of my photo instead of Esta’s by so many media outlets does not properly honor her life and legacy. At a time when her loved ones should be lifted by a dignified, respectful global remembrance, this only brings added distress.

“Obituaries are cherished by those who have lost someone,” she continued. “They are durable memorials of a loved one’s life and contributions. It is crucial they accurately reflect them. This error — and the lack of due diligence it represents — distracts from the magnificent light that was Esta TerBlanche, and denies her loved ones and fans the respectful tribute she deserves. Unfortunately, such careless mistakes have real second- and third-order effects. The past 24 hours have brought significant confusion and distress for my own family and friends who’ve received hundreds of calls and messages notifying them of (or seeking reaction to/comment on) ‘my’ passing. Some professional colleagues even began discussion of ‘contingencies’ in the wake of my apparent ‘death.’

“It has been a surreal nightmare that, worst of all, pulls focus from the memorial and celebration of the beautiful Esta TerBlanche ,” Martin concluded. “That is unacceptable. I call on all offending media organizations to correct this mistake and issue appropriate public apologies, immediately. It is essential that we uphold the standards of accuracy and diligence in reporting, particularly in matters as sensitive as the passing of a cherished individual and public figure. Let us ensure Esta TerBlanche receives the honor and respect she deserves, and commit to doing better in the future.”