Colleen Zenk Departs from ‘The Young and the Restless’ After Over a Year
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Colleen-Zenk-012425-be3bc9c31b9b4d99b1a22a80aac9c989.jpg)
Colleen Zenk, the 71-year-old actress who portrayed the character Aunt Jordan on the popular soap opera ‘The Young and the Restless,’ has recently bid adieu to the show. Zenk joined the cast in November 2023 as the villainess Aunt Jordan and made her final appearance on the episode that aired on Friday, Jan. 24. Her character met her demise after consuming a teacup laced with crushed sleeping pills provided by Claire, a character played by Hayley Erin. The scene, which also included members of the Newman family, such as Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) and Victoria (Amelia Heinle), marked the end of Aunt Jordan’s storyline on the show, as reported by Soap Opera Digest.
The departure of Colleen Zenk’s character was met with a mix of reactions from fans of the show. Some viewers expressed their understanding of the character’s exit, while others shared sentiments of wishing Zenk’s time on the show could have been prolonged. Prior to her emotional exit, Zenk had hinted at the dramatic turn of events on social media, writing cryptically on Threads, “Aunt Jordan… near the end….” The ambiguous message sparked speculation and anticipation among fans about the fate of her character.
Executive producer and head writer of ‘The Young and the Restless,’ Josh Griffith, expressed his gratitude towards Colleen Zenk for her contribution to the series. In a statement to Deadline, Griffith acknowledged Zenk’s remarkable work and the impact she had on the show through her portrayal of Aunt Jordan. Despite her character’s dramatic exit, Zenk had previously shared her positive experiences while filming on the set. In an interview from November 2023, she disclosed her initial apprehensions about joining the cast and her subsequent overwhelming reception from the crew and fellow cast members.
The soap opera veteran, Colleen Zenk, who had returned to daytime television with ‘The Young and the Restless,’ conveyed her gratitude for the warm welcome she received from the show’s team. She recounted being emotionally moved by the hospitality and camaraderie within the production, emphasizing the support and kindness she encountered from the cast and crew. Zenk’s portrayal of Aunt Jordan added a new dynamic to the show, garnering praise from viewers for her performance on the series.
As fans bid farewell to Aunt Jordan’s character on ‘The Young and the Restless,’ the legacy of Colleen Zenk’s contribution to the show remains an integral part of its storyline. The actress’s exit marks the end of a chapter in the series, leaving viewers with a mix of emotions and anticipation for what lies ahead in the beloved soap opera. With Zenk’s departure, the show’s narrative is poised for new twists and turns, as the dynamics among the characters continue to evolve.
‘The Young and the Restless’ airs on CBS at 12:30 p.m. ET, captivating audiences with its compelling storylines and engaging characters. As the drama unfolds on screen, Colleen Zenk’s portrayal of Aunt Jordan will be remembered as a significant and impactful part of the show’s rich tapestry. While Zenk’s character may have reached the end of her journey on the show, her presence resonates with viewers, adding depth and intrigue to the world of ‘The Young and the Restless.’