Colleen Zenk

About

Colleen Zenk (born January 20, 1953) is an American actress. She is known for her role as Barbara Ryan in the CBS daytime soap opera, As the World Turns, a role she played from September 1978 until the show ended in September 2010. She received three Daytime Emmy Awards nominations for her performance.

Zenk was born in Barrington, Illinois, and studied drama at The Catholic University of America.

She appeared in print ads and TV commercials at the beginning of her career, including several commercials for Kellogg’s.
In 1975, Zenk moved to New York City and made her stage debut as well began screen tests for Indiana Jones, Grease, and Superman. After 12 failed soap opera screen tests and a bit part on Ryan’s Hope, Zenk finally landed the role of Barbara Ryan in the CBS daytime soap opera, As the World Turns in 1978.
In 1980, she made her big screen debut appearing in the horror film, Christmas Evil. In 1982, she appeared with Albert Finney and Carol Burnett, in the musical film Annie directed by John Huston. In 1982, Zenk was also the focus of a commercial for L’eggs pantyhose.
In 1993, Zenk went to star along with fellow daytime performers Deidre Hall and…