Beyond the Gates character Hayley Lawson Hamilton, played by Marquita Goings, gave a shoutout to Forrester Creations recently when she lamented that she had to settle for Sally Spectra knockoffs. But she mentioned more than two designers from The Bold and the Beautiful. Hayley revealed that she longed to own a Barbara Ryan Original! Now, Barbara’s portrayer, Colleen Zenk, formerly of As the World Turns, is sharing her reaction to this Easter Egg in an exclusive Soap Central interview.
Beyond the Gates could open the gate to a fan favorite
Zenk, most recently seen as diabolical Aunt Jordan on The Young and the Restless, is best known for her run as Barbara Ryan on ATWT from 1978 to the show’s finale in 2010.
BTG, CBS’s newest soap, is produced by P&G Studios (a division of Procter & Gamble) in partnership with CBS Studios and the NAACP. That’s why there have been some nods to Procter & Gamble soap operas here and there. For example, Anita’s (Tamara Tunie) oncologist, played by Ivan Moore, is named “Dr. Bauer,” a nod to the Bauer family from the P&G serial Guiding Light.
“I was watching when June [Jasmine Burke] was in the hospital, and Anita walked by, and she said, ‘That lady looks like Jessica Griffin [the role Tunie played] from As the World Turns,'” Zenk recalls. “I roared with laughter! I loved it! I love it so much. I thought, ‘Okay. Michele [Val Jean, BTG’s creator/head writer/executive producer] is so smart.”
Zenk has been in the daytime serial world long enough to know that fans adore Easter Eggs like the mentions of Dr. Bauer and Jessica Griffin. Now, Hayley’s mention of Barbara Ryan Originals has hit home on an even deeper personal level for Zenk.
Simply Barbara Ryan Originals
“First, I, Colleen, having played Barbara Ryan, was completely flattered,” Zenk says. “I mean, it wasn’t about ‘me,’ but it was about my character. I was thrilled. I was thrilled.“
Zenk says that she’s also been drawn into the BTG’s dramatic tales, including the recent storyline in which Anita has battled cancer. “I spoke to [Tamara] a few weeks ago when the whole BRCA [cancer] gene issue came up because my family has gone through the same thing,” Zenk reveals. “My mother had the BRCA gene. She died in 2017.”
When Zenk saw the episodes in which Anita dealt with her mortality, she says she just broke down. “I don’t know Michele personally, but I love her work,” Zenk says. “And I love the fact that they have mentioned Barbara Ryan [Originals].”
As Barbara Ryan, in all probability, exists in the universe of BTG, would Zenk be open to reprising her Daytime Emmy-nominated role? “I would love a little invite to see them,” she respectfully responds. “I think there are so many tie-ins that could happen.”
Zenk says that she’s already read online positive responses to the BRO mention on BTG. The actress feels that Hayley was the right person to long for a Forrester Original or a Barbara Ryan Original. “It was so perfect for that character to make that kind of wannabe comment,” Zenk says. “Really smart!”
In June, six cast members from The Young and the Restless are set to crossover to BTG. Might Zenk’s Barbara be next? Stay tuned!
Catch all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates weekdays on CBS and Paramount Plus.
Edited by Michael Maloney