‘They should write to the producer…’: Kate Linder (Esther) has some valuable advice for The Young and the Restless fans!

Esther in The Young and the Restless was never one of the main characters of the series. However, its interpreter Kate Linder is still one of the iconic faces of the cult series around the world. With AlloCiné, the man who played the iconic Catherine Chancellor’s (Jean Cooper) governess reveals his best memories of filming…

AlloCiné: Tell us about your first day on the set of The Young and the Restless…

Kate Linder: I remember it like yesterday! Now that was over 40 years ago… I was very upset. I was only coming for one day so I wanted everything to be perfect! I’ve done makeup and hair with Gene Cooper, even though I haven’t met him yet.

So I went to see her to introduce me and explained that I was going to play her housekeeper. He replied: “It was time!“(Laughs) He was wonderful, making me feel comfortable, telling me I belonged. I’ll never forget that day… and here we are today!

Esther was always a very positive character. Want to cast him as a villain?

Yes ! I would love to be, but only if it becomes beautiful again afterwards. I don’t want people to think that we should forget her or lock her up somewhere (laughs) she might have a double… It makes me very happy!

Do you want Esther to finally have a healthy relationship with a man?

“A healthy relationshipIt would be interesting for him! (Laughs) None of his ex-partners will fit, but that doesn’t mean we should lose hope! Hopefully he finds someone… but you know, as long as Esther is still around. Thanks to our brilliant writers here, I’m excited to bring their texts to life.

You shared many scenes with Gene Cooper, who played Katherine Chancellor in The Young and the Restless. Were you off camera?

I miss him on the show and in life. We had a wonderful relationship. I went to her daughter’s college graduation! Sometimes I feel like it’s still there. I feel his presence. Sometimes I wonder too”What will Jeanne do? what would she say“.

Soon you’ll see a scene during a very important gala where Esther talks about Katherine with Nikki and Victor… I’ve never done a scene like that with them before. I loved the experience because I could almost feel like he was there. It was very well written, it was a great tribute.

Would you say that Jill (Jesse Walton) is Esther’s worst enemy?

(Laughs) Jesse and I are great friends behind the scenes. When he returns to the set, he always asks “So what should I call you today?“Esther already had the right”Idiot“or”Chihuahua“… (laughs)

Anyway, I’m glad that even with Mrs. Chancellor gone, that dynamic between them continues. Esther tries to be nice to Jill because Catherine will appreciate it, but that doesn’t mean it’s working! Plus, Jill says Esther started it!

Do you like playing these fight scenes with Jess Walton?

I adore him! The more controversial scenes, the happier I am for myself. Together with Janna, the three of us rehearsed our lines and shared our ideas…

What was your reaction when you found out that Esther’s daughter Chloe was going to appear in the series in 2008?

I was so happy. I am honored to have Elizabeth Hendrickson as my daughter. Today she texts me and asks for advice as if I were her real mom! He writes “Hello, mother!“.

He is a very talented actor. When we thought he was dead but he wasn’t… This scene had an effect on me! And remember, most of these moments are captured in just one take because we’re pressed for time.

Do you want Esther to appear “The Young and the Restless” more often?

I like to work and I want to be there every day. But I know our writers are great and I trust them. If fans want to see more of her or see her go through something specific, they should write to production because she’s listening!

Do you regret your trip to the series?

Absolutely none. I am happy and happy where I am. I feel very grateful. I love the comedy that Esther gives us. This was not done in serials at that time.

The series “The Young and the Restless” celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 2023. What does this mean for you?

It means a lot. I’m always surprised when people recognize me and call me Esther (…) It’s incredible to see the influence of The Young and Restless all over the world. I still tear up sometimes when I hear the credits of the series.

My mom watched every episode all over again! When you think about the role we played in people’s lives… we grew up together. In what other area can we do this? It’s phenomenal.