Colleen Zenk, a veteran soap opera actress known for her roles on *As the World Turns* and *The Young and the Restless*, is facing legal challenges following her arrest in Naples, Florida. The incident occurred on May 15, when Zenk was involved in a two-vehicle collision, as detailed in court records from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
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The 73-year-old actress has been charged with two misdemeanours related to driving under the influence (DUI). These charges include DUI causing property damage or injury and DUI with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher. Reports indicate that Zenk submitted breath samples measuring 0.206 and 0.192, significantly exceeding the legal limit.
Following her arrest, a spokesperson for Zenk asserted that the actress intends to contest the charges. “The truth will be played out in court,” the representative stated, affirming that Zenk has not been convicted of any crime as of yet. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for July 29, where the case will be further examined.
According to the arrest report, witnesses claimed that Zenk was seen reversing out of a handicap parking space outside a Tommy Bahama store when she struck another vehicle. The account describes Zenk continuing to move her car despite the collision. Upon exiting the vehicle, she appeared unsteady, which led to police being called to the scene.
When deputies arrived, they noted the scent of alcohol emanating from Zenk. During the DUI investigation, Zenk disclosed that she had been at Bar Tulia before the incident, where she claimed to have consumed “two wine cups.” She willingly underwent field sobriety tests, during which officers reportedly observed several signs of impairment, including issues with balance and difficulties in following instructions.
After completing these exercises, Zenk was arrested and transported for further testing. The breathalyser results subsequently indicated a blood alcohol level well above the legal threshold. Following her release, Zenk posted bond and has since entered a not guilty plea through her legal counsel.
Interestingly, Zenk’s recent legal woes are not her first encounter with DUI-related charges. In May 2017, she was similarly charged in Collier County, which counted as a first offense. Additionally, police in Connecticut arrested her in 2010 for allegedly driving erratically, leading to further DUI accusations.
Zenk is widely recognised for her long-standing portrayal of Barbara Ryan on *As the World Turns*, a role she sustained for over three decades after joining the show in 1978. Her outstanding performances garnered her three nominations for Daytime Emmy Awards throughout her career.
Recently, she made a return to daytime television in late 2023, taking on a role in *The Young and the Restless*, marking her first foray back into soap opera acting in over 13 years since the conclusion of *As the World Turns*. In a candid interview with PEOPLE, Zenk described her experience on the show as heartwarming, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome she received from the cast and crew. “I just can’t get over how loving everyone has been to me,” she said, reflecting on her initial days on set filled with emotion and surprise at the reception.
Zenk continues to be a beloved figure in the television world, and her upcoming court appearance will be closely followed by fans and media alike. As she faces these current legal challenges, the outcome remains uncertain, but Zenk’s declared intention to defend herself suggests she is prepared to contest the allegations vigorously. The soap opera community and her supporters will be watching her trajectory as both a talented actress and a legal defendant with keen interest.