The Young and the Restless star Kate Linder has much to be grateful for — she’s a fan favorite and veteran player in daytime. Today, she’s celebrating something special!
Linder was born on November 2, 1947, in Pasadena, California which means that she’s turning 71 today!
The actress began her run on Y&R back in 1982 as the Katherine Chancellor’s (Jeanne Cooper) maid. As legend has it, Linder’s character didn’t even have a name until one day Cooper called out to her while taping, “Esther!”
Linder’s character got her surname — Valentine — after a magazine ran a contest letting viewers narrow down choices including Valentine and Diamond.
The actress opted to go with the former as she was married to Ron Linder on Valentine’s Day! Sadly, Ron passed away in 2017.
Over the years, Esther’s been far more than the Chancellor maid. She had a fling with a man named Tiny, resulting in the birth of their daughter Chloe (Elizabeth Hendrickson). For a while, Esther quit Mrs. C’s employ and went to work for Nina (Tricia Cast) before returning to the Chancellor mansion where she belongs!
Additionally, Esther made the horrible mistake of dating a man who turned out to be not only a thief but also a killer. Her faux bridegroom, Norman, shot and killed Rex (Quinn Redeker), Kay’s husband, after Rex busted Norman for trying to steal from a safe.
Katherine’s passing in 2013 hasn’t meant the end of Esther. She continues to live in the mansion, spar with Jill, and call the police when interlopers trespass!
In 2005, Linder was named celebrity spokesperson for The ALS Association. Three years later, she was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Linder is one of the few stars from daytime who have such an honor!
Soap Hub joins Linder’s family, friends, and fans in wishing the actress a happy birthday and you can too by clicking the link below!
The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS. Check local listings for air times.
Video Credit: Questions712
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