Colleen Zenk is bidding farewell to The Young and the Restless. The actress who plays Jordan Howard and  who joined the CBS soap in November 2023 as the villainous character, made her final appearance on Friday, January 24.

“We appreciate all of the incredible work that the amazing Colleen Zenk brought to The Young and the Restless and the role of Aunt Jordan,” Josh Griffith, Y&R‘s executive producer and head writer, told Deadline.

Spoiler Alert-Surrounded by members of the Newman family, Jordan met her end after drinking a cup laced with crushed sleeping pills. Faced with the choice between this fate or prison, she opted for the former without hesitation.

 

 

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Zenk joined the soap with a mission to stir up trouble for the Newman family, seeking revenge for the death of her sister, Eve. The Young and the Restless was fortunate to bring on the beloved daytime actress, who previously portrayed Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns from 1978 to 2010.

Colleen Zenk was born on January 20, 1953, in Barrington, Illinois.  Zenk developed an early passion for performing arts,which led her to study at The Catholic University of America, earning a degree in drama.

Zenk’s most iconic role was as Barbara Ryan on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns. She joined the series in 1978 and remained a central figure until its conclusion in 2010. Over her three-decade run, she delivered powerful performances that captivated audiences, earning her three Daytime Emmy nominations. Zenk’s portrayal of Barbara transitioned from a vulnerable heroine to a formidable and complex character.

In addition to her daytime television legacy, Zenk has appeared in numerous stage productions, including regional theater and Broadway. Her theater credits include Bring Back Birdie and Marrying George Clooney, highlighting her dynamic range as a performer.

Outside of acting, Zenk is a passionate advocate for oral cancer awareness, a cause close to her heart following her own diagnosis and recovery. She has shared her journey through public speaking and interviews.