Colleen Zenk

Last updated

Colleen Zenk
Born (1953-01-27) January 27, 1953 (age 71) [1]
Barrington, Illinois, U.S.
Alma mater Catholic University of America
Occupations
Years active1975–present
Spouses
Michael Crouch
​
(m. 1983⁠–⁠1986)​
​
​
(m. 1987;div. 2010)​
Children3

Colleen Zenk is an American actress. She is known for her role as Barbara Ryan in the CBS daytime soap opera, As the World Turns , a role she played from September 1978 until the show ended in September 2010. She received three Daytime Emmy Awards nominations for her performance. [2]

Contents

Early life

Zenk was born in Barrington, Illinois, and studied drama at The Catholic University of America. [3] Her goal was to be a dancer, but a knee injury ended her dancing career. [4] She appeared in print ads and TV commercials at the beginning of her career, including several commercials for Kellogg's. [5]

Career

In 1975, Zenk moved to New York City and made her stage debut as well began screen tests for Indiana Jones , Grease , and Superman . [6] After 12 failed soap opera screen tests, Zenk finally landed the role of Barbara Ryan in the CBS daytime soap opera, As the World Turns in 1978. [6]

In 1980, she made her big screen debut appearing in the horror film, Christmas Evil . In 1982 she appeared with Albert Finney and Carol Burnett, in the musical film Annie directed by John Huston. In 1982, Zenk was also the focus of a commercial for L'eggs pantyhose. [7]

In 1993, Zenk went to star along with fellow daytime performers Deidre Hall and Leslie Charleson in the leading roles of the NBC made-for-television movie Women on the Ledge. [8]

As The World Turns

Zenk's most notable role was as Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns. After auditioning for several soap operas, including The Edge of Night , Guiding Light and Search for Tomorrow , Zenk was signed to a contract at As the World Turns and assumed the role of Barbara in 1978. [5] She played the role for 32 years, until the show ended in 2010. [9]

In the early years of Zenk's run on As the World Turns, her character, Barbara, was tormented by her criminal ex-husband, James Stenbeck (played by Anthony Herrera). For a brief period in the mid-1980s, the character of Barbara, as written by award-winning head writer Douglas Marland, became a complex romantic vixen.

In 2001, then head-writer Hogan Sheffer took the character in a drastically different direction after the character suffered burns in a fire which destroyed her face (and more deception by then-husband Craig Montgomery). Sheffer was quoted in a 2006 interview in a cover-feature article in The New Yorker that he wanted to give Zenk, who he felt was an "under-utilized gem of an actress", more to do than just pour coffee with children underfoot. She was nominated for a Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Award in 2001, 2002. and 2011, and also voted Best Villain by Soap Opera Digest in 2003. Sheffer won the Emmy Outstanding Writing in 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005, in part with stories featuring Zenk's work. [10]

Zenk was prominently featured in the show's special 50th anniversary episode "Seven Divas on a Bus" in April 2006, and also in several special comedy episodes over the years.

Stage

In 1980, Zenk co-starred on Broadway with musical theatre legends Chita Rivera and Donald O'Connor in the sequel to Bye Bye Birdie titled Bring Back Birdie . [3]

In the summer of 2005, Zenk came out of her self-imposed musical theater retirement and starred as Dolly Levi in a regional tour of Hello Dolly! at the Academy Theater in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and the Pocono Playhouse. Due to overwhelming audience response, she was asked to reprise the role that fall at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania.[ citation needed ]

In June 2007, three weeks after her initial three surgeries for oral cancer, in the 50th anniversary production at Little Theatre on the Square of Sullivan, Illinois. The production was Stephen Sondheim's Follies , and Zenk played Phyllis Stone. Recovering from tongue reconstruction and on heavy pain medication due to radiation burning and side effects, Zenk sang and danced with the 35-piece orchestra, and brought down the house.[ citation needed ]

In April 2011, only four months after more cancer surgery to her tongue, she debuted her one-woman show Colleen Zenk: LIVE at Bob Egan's New Hope, to great critical acclaim. She was featured in a new Off-Broadway show from the Araca Group, Odyssey – The Epic Musical at the American Theatre of Actors in October 2011. [11] Then, the long-awaited New York debut of her one-woman show Still Sassy premiered at Feinstein's at the Regency in New York City October–November 2011.[ citation needed ]

She was one of the many producers of the Broadway revival of Godspell . In late 2012, she starred in the off-Broadway world premiere of the stage version of the bestselling memoir, Marrying George Clooney, Confessions from a Mid-life Crisis. She kicked off the 2012–2013 theatre season for CAP21 in their "Concerts for CAP21" Benefit Series with a "standing room only" night of her one-woman show Still Sassy. In 2013, she portrayed iconic actress Tallulah Bankhead in the Regional Premiere of Matthew Lombardo's play Looped at STAGEWORKS/Hudson.[ citation needed ]

The world premiere of Michael Slade's play Family Shots at the Human Race Theatre Company in 2015 earned her a Lead Actress in a Play DayTony nomination. That same year, she played Polly Wyeth in back-to-back productions of the Pulitzer Prize nominated play Other Desert Cities by Jon Robin Baitz, directed by Dan Foster at Theatre Workshop of Nantucket and the Hudson Stage Company in New York. [12]

In June 2018, Zenk returned to the role of Dolly in Hello, Dolly! at The Little Theatre on the Square.[ citation needed ]

In 2020, Zenk made several appearances on the YouTube show The Locher Room, which facilitates discussions with entertainment figures, including actors, writers and producers from soap operas.

Later screen appearances

In 2014, she appeared as Joan in the 5th-season episode "Loose Lips" of the CBS show Blue Bloods .

On Thurston, a Western web series, she portrayed town madam Agnes Snead, garnering two Lead Actress nominations from the Indie Series Awards. [13] Zenk also appeared in supporting roles on the web series Tainted Dreams and Milgram and the Fastwalkers. In April 2018, the series After Forever debuted on Amazon; Zenk played Dr. Robbins.

In 2023, Zenk was cast in a recurring role as Jordan Howard on the CBS daytime soap opera, The Young and the Restless . [14] She departed the role in 2025. [15]

Personal life

Zenk married musician and actor Michael Crouch in 1983. [16]

In 1987, she married actor Mark Pinter, whom she met on the set of ATWT. Together, they raised 6 children (four from previous marriages and two from their union). They made their home in Fairfield County, Connecticut. [17] [18] [19]

In May 2010, Zenk filed for divorce citing abandonment and irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in August 2010. [20]

Health issues

In 2007, Zenk was diagnosed with oral cancer. Through a series of four surgeries including brachytherapy radiation, Zenk's stage II cancer was treated. In October 2007, Zenk appeared on CBS's The Early Show to publicize the risk factors of oral cancer and to stress the importance of early screening. [21]

She partnered with the Oral Cancer Foundation to do additional interviews in print and TV media as well as produce public service TV announcements (PSA) on the importance of early detection. In 2008, CBS donated approximately $500,000 in airtime minutes on their national affiliates for the PSA to play.[ citation needed ]

Her story was told in depth in Woman's Day magazine in March 2009. In the article, Zenk said it appears her cancer was most likely caused by HPV-16, a strain of a common sexually transmitted virus that can potentially also cause cervical cancer. [22]

Zenk revealed that she contracted COVID-19 in 2020, with a lengthy recovery period. [23]

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
1980 Christmas Evil Binky
1982 Annie Celette
1993Woman on the LedgeSteffiTelevision film
2013LibbyLibbyShort film
Los Angeles Shorts International Film Festival Award for Best Short Film
2015 About Scout Female Dinner Guest
2015Line to the WallElizabeth StoneShort film
2016 The Comedian Herself
2018Milgram and the Fastwalkers 2Whit Wilkerson
2019American CriminalJudge Witaker

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1978 Ryan's Hope NurseEpisode dated January 30, 1978
1978—2010 As the World Turns Barbara Ryan Series regular
Nominated — Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2002, 2011)
Nominated — Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (2001)
Nominated — Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Villainess in a Drama Series – Daytime (2005)
2012—2013ThurstonAgnes SneadWeb series
Nominated — Indie Series Award for Best Lead Actress - Drama (2014–2015)
Nominated — Indie Series Award for Best Ensemble - Drama (2015)
2014 Blue Bloods JoanEpisode: "Loose Lips"
2016 Tainted Dreams Sofia DiGiacomoWeb series
2018After ForeverDr. RobbinsEpisode: "Back on the Bike"
Nominated —International Academy of Web Television Award for Best Ensemble Performance (Drama)
2023–2025 The Young and the Restless Jordan HowardRecurring role

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kim Zimmer</span> American actress (born 1955)

Kimberly Jo Zimmer is an American actress, best known for her role as Reva Shayne on the CBS soap opera Guiding Light. For this portrayal, she has won four Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cynthia Watros</span> American actress

Cynthia Michele Watros is an American actress recognized for her roles in both daytime and primetime television. In 1994, she was cast in the regular role of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light, which earned her the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1998. In 2002, she was cast as Kellie on The Drew Carey Show and in 2005 joined the cast of Lost as Libby Smith. Since 2019, Watros has portrayed the role of Nina Reeves on ABC's General Hospital.

Mark Pinter is an American actor best known for his numerous roles in daytime soap operas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barbara Ryan</span> Soap opera character

Barbara Ryan is a fictional character from the American CBS soap opera As the World Turns. In the early 1970s, Barbara was played by a succession of actresses, but the actress most associated with the role is Colleen Zenk, who played her since September 1, 1978. She is portrayed as a heroine who experienced many tragedies, mostly at the hands of her controlling ex-husband, the villainous James Stenbeck. Barbara is the daughter of Jennifer Sullivan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heather Tom</span> American actress and director (born 1975)

Heather Tom is an American actress and director. She is best known for her roles as Victoria Newman on The Young and the Restless, Kelly Cramer on One Life to Live and All My Children, and Katie Logan on The Bold and the Beautiful. On The Bold and the Beautiful she has earned four Daytime Emmy Awards and a total of six in her career, tying her for the most wins by a soap actress. In addition to her acting work, she has directed episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, Dynasty, and Good Trouble.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sharon Case</span> American actress and former model (born 1971)

Sharon Case is an American actress and former model. At the age of 17, Case began working as a model, relocating briefly to Japan, before pursuing an acting career. She is best known for her roles on daytime television soap operas, scoring parts in the serials General Hospital and As the World Turns during the early stages of her career. In 1994, she stepped into the role of Sharon Newman on the CBS daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless, which she still plays. Case, who is considered a leading actress in the series, won the 1999 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her performance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lauralee Bell</span> American soap opera actress (born 1968)

Lauralee Kristen Bell is an American actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Christine Blair in the CBS daytime soap operas, The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. As a producer, she received the award for Outstanding Special Class Short Format Daytime at the 41st Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards for the short film mI promise.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kimberlin Brown</span> American actress (born 1961)

Kimberlin Ann Brown is an American actress, business owner, and politician. She portrayed Sheila Carter on the CBS daytime soap operas The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. She received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role as Sheila on The Young and the Restless in 1993 and was nominated in the same category for The Bold and the Beautiful in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jessica Collins</span> American actress (born 1971)

Jessica Collins is an American actress. She is best known for portraying Dinah Lee Mayberry on the ABC soap opera Loving (1991–1994) and Avery Bailey Clark on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless (2011–2015), for which she won a Daytime Emmy. She also starred as Meredith Davies on Fox's Tru Calling, and appeared in recurring and guest roles in many other shows.

Kelley Menighan Hensley is an American actress best known for her role as Emily Stewart on As the World Turns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jon Hensley</span> American actor

Jon Hensley is an American actor, singer and songwriter, best recognized for his portrayal of Holden Snyder on the CBS daytime soap opera As the World Turns, a role he held from 1985 until the series finale on September 17, 2010. He later portrayed Dr. Meade on The Bold and the Beautiful from 2012 to 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elizabeth Hubbard</span> American actress (1933–2023)

Elizabeth Hubbard was an American actress, recognized for her role as Althea Davis on the NBC daytime soap opera, The Doctors, for which she received the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1974, and as businesswoman Lucinda Walsh on the CBS soap opera, As the World Turns (1984–2010) for which she received eight Daytime Emmy Award nominations. Hubbard also starred in films such as I Never Sang for My Father (1970), The Bell Jar (1979), and Ordinary People (1980), and received another Emmy Award for playing former First Lady Edith Wilson in the television film First Ladies Diaries: Edith Wilson (1976).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leslie Charleson</span> American actress (1945–2025)

Leslie Ann Charleson was an American actress, best known for her role as Monica Quartermaine on the ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital.

Lesli Kay is an American actress, known for her roles on the CBS soap operas As the World Turns and The Bold and the Beautiful. For her role in As the World Turns, Kay received Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeanne Cooper</span> American actress (1928–2013)

Wilma Jeanne Cooper was an American actress, best known for her role as Katherine Chancellor on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless (1973–2013). At the time of her death, she had played Katherine for nearly 40 years, and her name appears on the list of longest-serving soap opera actors in the United States.

Hogan Sheffer was an American screenwriter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lily Winters</span> Soap opera character

Lily Winters is a fictional character from the American CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. Created by William J. Bell, the character appeared as a child for her first five-year period. In 2002, Christel Khalil began portraying Lily as a teenager after the character rapidly aged. In 2005, Khalil left the series, resulting in the character's recasting with Davetta Sherwood; however, Sherwood's portrayal was brief when Khalil was asked to return the following year. Khalil began playing the character as a "rebellious, yet naive teenager", later becoming one of the soap opera's heroines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marla Adams</span> American actress (1938–2024)

Marla Vene Adams was an American actress. She was best known for playing the roles of Belle Clemens on the CBS soap opera The Secret Storm and Dina Abbott Mergeron on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. She won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role on The Young and the Restless in 2021. She had been nominated in the same category in 2018.

Marnie Schulenburg was an American actress who was known for her role as Alison Stewart on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns (2007–2010).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alyvia Alyn Lind</span> American actress (born 2007)

Alyvia Alyn Lind is an American actress. She played the roles of Faith Newman on the CBS daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless (2011–2021), 9-year-old Dolly Parton in the made-for-television movies Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors (2015) and Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love (2016), Angelica Green in the Netflix series Daybreak (2019), and Lexy Cross in the SyFy/USA Network horror television series Chucky (2021–2024).

References

  1. ↑ Y&R and ATWT Favorite Colleen Zenk Livestream Interview. United States: YouTube. January 24, 2024. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  2. ↑ "About the Actors | Colleen Zenk | The Young and the Restless on Soap Central". soapcentral.com.
  3. 1 2 "Colleen Zenk - Oral Cancer Foundation | Information and Resources about Oral Head and Neck Cancer". September 28, 2016.
  4. ↑ "COLLEEN ZENK PINTER stars in - PDF Free Download".
  5. 1 2 "Colleen Zenk: The We Love Soaps Interview, Part One".
  6. 1 2 "Google". www.google.com.
  7. ↑ "Colleen Zenk l'Eggs Sheer Energy Feel Like Dancing | Retro Junk Commercial".
  8. ↑ "TV REVIEW : Soap Stars Go Prime Time on the 'Ledge'". Los Angeles Times . March 15, 1993.
  9. ↑ "As the World Turns Gives Colleen Zenk a Fitting Farewell". TVGuide.com.
  10. ↑ "Oakdale Days". The New Yorker . April 8, 2002.
  11. ↑ Hetrick, Adam (September 22, 2011). "Odyssey – The Epic Musical to Feature Eddie Korbich, Emma Zaks, Janine DiVita and Colleen Zenk". Playbill. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  12. ↑ Newcomb, Roger (July 25, 2015). "'As the World Turns' Alum Colleen Zenk Set to Star in Theatre Workshop of Nantucket Production of 'Other Desert Cities'". Archived from the original on July 20, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  13. ↑ "Thurston | The Western Web Series".
  14. ↑ "Soap Star Colleen Zenk Returns to Daytime TV with 'Scores to Settle' in 'The Young and the Restless' (Exclusive)". Peoplemag.
  15. ↑ Rice, Lynette (January 24, 2025). "The Young & The Restless Veteran Actress Colleen Zenk Departs CBS Sudser". Deadline Hollywood . United States: Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on January 24, 2025. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  16. ↑ "DOUBLE WEDDING - UPI Archives". UPI.
  17. ↑ "Mark Pinter Excited for Grandchild's Birth". Celebrity Baby Blog. January 13, 2009.
  18. ↑ Garcia, Jennifer (March 16, 2009). "It's a Boy for Carson Daly & Girlfriend!". People Magazine. Archived from the original on March 20, 2009.
  19. ↑ Ravitz, Justin (September 6, 2012). "Carson Daly, Girlfriend Welcome Daughter Etta Jones!". Us Weekly. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  20. ↑ "The Suds Report". TVGuide.ca. May 14, 2010. Archived from the original on October 8, 2011.
  21. ↑ "Soap Star in Real-Life Cancer Battle". CBS News .
  22. ↑ "Colleen Zenk Pinter's Battle with Cancer". March 22, 2009.
  23. ↑ "As the World Turns Star Colleen Zenk Reveals Her COVID-19 Experience". September 27, 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.