‘The Young and the Restless’ (Y&R) Interview: Kate Linder Dishes On Playing Esther Valentine and Future Expanded Storyline

Kate Linder has spent over 33 years portraying Esther Valentine on “Young and the Restless.” After 33 years, Esther finally branched out, left the Chancellor mansion and accepted a job at the coffee house. She decided she could no longer accept Colin (Tristan Rogers) sexual advances and told Jill (Jess Walton) if she didn’t make him leave the mansion; she was leaving. She made good on her word and left promptly after Jill told her that wasn’t going to happen.

Kate revealed in an interview with Soap Central that she had really enjoyed working with Steve Burton. She joked that she calls him boss now, and every morning she tells him, “Good morning, boss.” She said she had worked with Sharon Case previously, and enjoyed it very much. She said she felt like working at the coffee house could take Esther into many storylines. After all, nearly every character goes to the coffeehouse for their caffeine fix in Genoa City.

Kate also revealed that she was open to anything the writers want to do with her character. She said after 33 years and never leaving the mansion much in her storylines, it is nice to have a change in pace. Even after she filmed the Colin coming on to her scenes, she is still unsure about who was telling the truth. She said she thinks that Esther was telling the truth, but based that on Colin’s history of being the bad guy.

Kate spoke about Ester’s track record with men. She recalls Jill telling Esther she wouldn’t know if a man was hitting on her. She hinted there could be a romance with the villain Ian Ward. She revealed she could see Esther being taken by Ian and falling for his lies. She said the writers for “Y&R” are very talented and have a vision for each one of the characters. She noted that she was thrilled to be a small part of the show. She said, “I cannot believe I have been with the show for over 33 years. It doesn’t feel that long.” She noted that she is up for whatever the writers would like her to do on the show. “Fans will have to watch the show to see how Esther Valentine’s life unfolds,” Kate Linder said.

Fans, would you like to see sweet Esther with the devilish Ian Ward? Do you think Colin or Ester was telling the truth? Are you glad Esther is sticking around in Genoa City?

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