The Young and the Restless viewers in Canada — where the show airs a day earlier than it does in the United States — got quite a shock when they learned the identity of Claire’s Aunt Jordan and her partner-in-crime in Nikki’s kidnapping. It’s Colleen Zenk, beloved for her run as Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns.
Colleen Zenk Joins Young and the Restless
Zenk debuted on ATWT in 1978 and played the part of Barbara until the show’s finale in 2010. Over the years, Barbara went from heroine to one of the biggest bitches in daytime. After a few failed romances, Barbara had an epiphany. Tired of feeling like a doormat, she created a fashion line — Simply Barbara — and utilized the services of her ex-fiancé, Tom Hughes (Gregg Marx).
Simply the Best
After Tom admitted to Barbara he was going to dump her as a client because of a growing attraction to her, Barbara tricked Tom into thinking that they’d spent the night together in bed. After the truth came out, Barbara softened a bit. She fell for Det. Hal Munson (Benjamin Hendrickson) as he helped protect her from her psychotic ex-husband James Stenbeck (Anthony Herrera).
Barbara’s Happy Ending
Barbara found new life under head writer Hogan Sheffer, who wrote Barbara being burned in a fire and her triumphant comeback. Zenk earned three Daytime Emmy nominations for playing Barbara. Two were in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series; one was for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
In ATWT’s finale, Barbara got a happy ending as she found love with Henry (Trent Dawson). Clearly, Zenk’s new character — Jordan — on Y&R is more wicked than good. (Or is she wicked good?) Time will tell just how diabolical she can be and what Jordan’s connection is to the Newman clan. Stay tuned!