Performer of the Week: Y&R’s Colleen Zenk!

The Young and the Restless made an excellent decision by bringing the legendary Colleen Zenk back to soaps. Since the end of As the World Turns, fans of Barbara Ryan have been hoping for a revival of the CBS daytime drama or for one of the remaining soaps to hire Zenk. Y&R surprised us all by casting her in the role of “Aunt Jordan” and even managing to keep it under wraps until she actually appeared onscreen. While Barbara on ATWT was portrayed as a heroine who experienced many tragedies, mostly at the hands of her controlling ex-husband, the villainous James Stenbeck, and later turned into a scheming villain with manipulative and devious ways, Aunt Jordan came on as a straight-up villain.

Zenk was clearly in her element as she returned to the world of soap operas, vowing to shake up the Newman family’s world. Jordan convinced her grand-niece Claire to lure the Newmans to her location in Oregon. When they arrived, Jordan emerged with her arm in a sling. Afterward, she admitted to misleading them about her arm, seeking revenge. Jordan also revealed her connection to Eve Howard and why she wanted revenge against the Newmans. She went toe to toe with them all, unafraid, even when it came to the great and powerful, Victor Newman himself.

Zenk portrayed Jordan’s villainy in the soap genre with mastery, from her reveal as Claire’s aunt to her peeping through the vent. Fans were delighted to see her back on their screens, with her acting skills as sharp as ever. Her portrayal of Aunt Jordan brought a whole new level of intrigue and excitement to The Young and the Restless, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats as they watched her devious plans unfold. Zenk’s return to soaps was truly a triumph, and fans can’t wait to see what is next for her character. Welcome back, Colleen Zenk, you’ve been sorely missed. Congrats on being named the Performer of the Week!