Kate Linder

Stars

Born Catherine Helene Wolveck on Nov. 2, 1947 in Pasadena, CA

Kate Linder is an actress best known for playing Esther Valentine in more than 200 episodes of the soap opera “The Young and the Restless.”

A California native, Linder began performing at an early age, starring in numerous musicals through high school. Upon graduation, she wanted to attend the American Academy in New York, but her father persuaded her to attend two years of liberal arts college first, so she enrolled in San Francisco State University majoring in drama. There she met Ronald Linder, a professor and authority on drug abuse, whom she would later marry.

In 1982, Linder landed the part as housekeeper to Mrs. Katherine Chancellor, the wealthiest woman on “The Young and the Restless.” It was a role with one line: “Dinner is served.” She was asked to come back the next day and has been a reoccurring character ever since. Esther Valentine provides comic relief on the highly rated daytime drama. In her nearly 30 years on the series, Esther has had a one night stand with a plumber, given birth in a thunderstorm, married a con man who later killed her boss’ husband, and inherited half the Chancellor estate.

One of the two Daytime Governors at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Linder is also a board member of the American Federation of Television and Radio. She is the national spokeswoman for the ALS Assn. and remains active with TV Cares, the TV academy's AIDS fundraising and awareness organization, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

In addition to her acting and charity work, Linder is also a flight attendant. During college, she began working for Transamerica Airlines, traveling to Monaco, Tahiti and other exotic locations. She continues to fly with United Airlines on weekends when available. “Acting is my life,” says Linder. “That’s what I do for my living and creative satisfaction. Flying is what I do for fun as long as I can work it into my schedule.”

Linder is the fourth actor to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame based solely on acting on a soap opera.

— Andrew Hanson for the Los Angeles Times June 30, 2010