Colleen Zenk, known for her role as Barbara Ryan on "As the World Turns," was arrested on two misdemeanor DUI charges in Naples, Florida, on May 15. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office took the 73-year-old actress into custody.
Zenk is charged with DUI causing damage to property or another person and DUI with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 or higher. She posted bond for both charges the following day. According to an arrest report, Zenk backed her vehicle into another car near a Tommy Bahama store and attempted to leave the scene before being stopped by law enforcement. A witness reported seeing Zenk stumble as she exited her vehicle, and a responding sergeant noted the smell of alcohol on her breath.
Zenk told officers she had consumed "two wine cups" at a venue called Bar Tulia prior to the incident. She subsequently failed field sobriety tests, exhibiting balance issues and difficulty following instructions. Breath samples provided by Zenk measured 0.206 BAC and 0.192 BAC, both significantly exceeding Florida's legal limit of 0.08.
This arrest marks Zenk's third DUI-related charge. She was previously arrested for a DUI in Collier County in May 2017 and faced DUI-related charges and an improper lane usage charge in 2010.
Zenk's representative stated that the charges are being defended and that Ms. Zenk has not been convicted of any offense. A court date on June 10 was missed by Zenk, who filed a waiver for non-mandatory appearances. Her next court date is scheduled for July 29.
Zenk is widely recognized for her decades-long portrayal of Barbara Ryan on "As the World Turns" from 1978 to 2010, a role that earned her three Daytime Emmy Award nominations. She also appeared on "The Young and the Restless" from 2023 to 2025.