Y&R Exclusive Interview: Zuleyka Silver Dishes Audra’s Feelings About Kyle and Claire

Audra, played by Zuleyka Silver, is one of the sharper cookies in Genoa City these days. The character knows who she is and what she wants. Silver recently chatted with Soap Hub to dish some insights into a few of Audra’s relationships on The Young and the Restless.

Zuleyka Silver: I’m A Survivor

She may have broken Noah’s (Rory Gibson) heart prior to coming to town, but Silver defends her character’s actions. “Audra’s a survivor,” the actress tells Soap Hub. “She’s been through so much. She knows she has to look out for herself. She doesn’t have a safety net. She’s ambitious and needs to create a life for herself.”

Currently, Audra’s sleeping with Kyle (Michael Mealor), but is he a means to an end regarding that life she wants to create, or is she developing genuine feelings for him? “Her mission is to make a name for herself so she can thrive and be successful on her own,” Silver says.

Past Imperfect

“Audra’s made the mistake in the past of prioritizing love,” the actress points out, indicating that survival and success will trump looking for romance any day of the week. “At least for now, she’ll prioritize success. Success won’t break her heart.”

Initially, Silver says, Audra saw Kyle as a means to an end. “They were having fun,” she says, admitting, “There is a spark. She might be developing an attraction to him. She’s very guarded. It would probably take a lot.”

Zuleyka Silver: All About Claire

While Audra’s feelings for Kyle may change for the better, she’s not likely to rethink her stance on Claire (Hayley Erin), who has quickly ingratiated herself into Nikki’s (Melody Thomas Scott) life. Audra thinks that Claire is someone who needs to be watched — carefully. She made a recent script reference calling her an “Eve Harrington,” referencing Anne Baxter’s duplicitous character in the classic film All About Eve.

Had Silver seen that celluloid masterpiece? “Of course! I love that film,” she enthuses. “When I heard that reference I thought, ‘Yes!'” Just as Birdie (Thelma Ritter) had Eve’s number from the start, Silver believes that Audra’s concerns about Claire are spot-on. “Sometimes, I think Audra’s really great at reading people,” the actress says. “She sees how Claire has been buttering up her boss [Nikki, Melody Thomas Scott]. She can’t put her finger on it but something doesn’t feel right…”