‘𝖸&𝖱’ 𝖲𝗍𝖺𝗋 𝖢𝗈𝗅𝗅𝖾𝖾𝗇 𝖹𝖾𝗇𝗄 𝖱𝖾𝗌𝗉𝗈𝗇𝖽𝗌 𝖳𝗈 𝖱𝗎𝖽𝖾 𝖠𝗀𝖾 𝖢𝗈𝗆𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗌

Colleen Zenk is known for her work on soaps, from As the World Turns to her more recent appearances on The Young and the Restless. The actress recently had to defend herself after receiving some insulting comments concerning her age on social media. Fans of Zenk also came to the star’s defense.

Colleen Zenk Went From Oakdale To Genoa City

Zenk got the role of Barbara Ryan in As the World Turns in 1978. Reportedly, the actress underwent 12 failed soap opera screen tests before landing the part, highlighting her determination.

Zenk was the fourth actress to play the part. However, she would go on to be the actress most associated with the role. She would end up continuing into the role well until 2010.

In 2023, Zenk would make her return of the world of soap operas as Jordan Howard on The Young and the Restless. Back in November, as previously reported, her character teamed up with Ian Ward to wreak havoc on Genoa City, teaming Zenk up with actor Ray Wise.

Many fans were excited to watch the two villains team up on the soap. As one user shared on X, “I could watch these two devils all day and never tire of them!” The post was even paired with screenshots of Zenk and Wise.

However, one of the post’s comments wasn’t too flattering. As it wrote, “She didn’t age well and she was so pretty on [As the World Turns.]”

Colleen Zenk Used The Opportunity To Share Her Story About Oral Cancer

Zenk herself would end up responding to the post. As she wrote, “Hi. 2 rounds of oral cancer…and no plastic surgery or Botox. Thank you. I’m 71. How are you?” The actress also shared a link for fans to learn more about oral cancer.

Many fans also came to Zenk’s defense. As one wrote, “Weren’t you ever taught [that] if you don’t have anything nice to say, you don’t say anything at all? How very rude.”

Another commented, “Excuse me, but what you said was rude and wrong. I watched Colleen Zenk for years on ATWT. I see hardly any difference.”

“She’s still as beautiful & classy as she was when she played Barbara. I’d love for her to stay on Y&R as a regular; they’d be lucky to have such a wonderful actress.”

As noted by Monsters & Critics, Zenk had been diagnosed with oral cancer back in 2007, while still appearing on As the World Turns. In the following years, she has since served as an advocate for the disease.

The actress also formed a partnership with the Oral Cancer Foundation. She also previously talked about accusations of receiving plastic surgery in a video shared by The Locher Room.