Soap Opera Star Colleen Zenk Charged With DUI After Naples, Florida Crash

NAPLES, Fla. — Veteran soap opera actress Colleen Zenk has been charged with two misdemeanor DUI offenses following a two-vehicle crash in Naples, according to court records.

The 73-year-old actress, best known for portraying Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns and more recently Jordan Howard on The Young and the Restless, was arrested on May 15 after deputies responded to a crash near Strada Place.

According to investigators, witnesses reported that Zenk was backing out of a handicapped parking space outside a Tommy Bahama store when her vehicle struck another parked vehicle. A witness alleged she continued moving after the collision before being stopped a short distance away. (People.com)

Deputies Allege Signs of Impairment

The arrest report states that responding deputies noticed the odor of alcohol and began a DUI investigation after completing the crash investigation.

According to authorities, Zenk told officers she had consumed “two wine cups” while at Bar Tulia before driving.

Investigators reported that field sobriety exercises showed several indicators of impairment, including difficulty maintaining balance, swaying, and trouble following instructions. (People.com)

Breath Test Results

Court documents state Zenk later provided two breath samples measuring:

• 0.206 BAC

• 0.192 BAC

Both readings are well above Florida’s legal limit of 0.08 for drivers. She was subsequently charged with:

• DUI causing property damage or personal injury

• DUI with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 or higher

Both charges are misdemeanors under Florida law. (People.com)

Pleads Not Guilty

Court records show Zenk has entered a not guilty plea through her attorney and was released after posting bond. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for July 29.

In a statement provided to media outlets, a representative for Zenk said:

“The charges are being defended. Ms. Zenk has not been convicted of anything. The truth will be played out in court.” (People.com)

Previous DUI Cases

According to court records, this is not Zenk’s first DUI-related arrest. Records indicate previous DUI cases in:

• Connecticut (2010)

• Collier County, Florida (2017)

The current case remains pending in Collier County court. (EW.com)

Who Is Colleen Zenk?

Zenk is one of daytime television’s most recognizable stars, having portrayed Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns for more than three decades. She earned three Daytime Emmy Award nominations during her career and returned to daytime television in 2023 with a recurring role on The Young and the Restless. (People.com)

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