When Kate Linder stepped onto the set of The Young and the Restless for what was supposed to be a single episode, her character didn’t even have a proper name. "It just said, 'Maid,'" the actress recalls with a laugh. Fast forward 40 years, and Kate has become a cornerstone of the iconic soap opera, playing the beloved housekeeper Esther Valentine. Recently, she celebrated this incredible milestone with a special event at the Hollywood Museum. Over four decades, Esther, originally a servant in the household of the wealthy Katherine Chancellor (played by the late Jeanne Cooper), has seen her fair share of drama. She's endured personal heartbreaks, survived kidnappings, married a con man, and was even declared the rightful owner of the Chancellor Mansion—though that didn't last long. "I can't believe all the wild things Esther has been through," Kate, now 74, tells Closer. "And I'm ready for even more adventures!"
A native of Pasadena, California, Kate isn't just an actress; she's also deeply committed to giving back. She's a passionate advocate for charitable causes, particularly the ALS Association, where she serves as a celebrity spokesperson. "There was this incredible man on the board who used to say, 'It doesn't matter how many breaths you take in this lifetime. What matters is what you do with those breaths,'" Kate shares. "That really stuck with me. I have this amazing platform because of The Young and the Restless. How could I not use it to help others?"
From Humble Beginnings to a Star
Let's rewind the clock. Did you always dream of becoming an actress?
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"Absolutely. As far back as I can remember, I knew this was my calling. My parents were incredibly supportive, though no one in my family worked in the entertainment industry. They signed me up for dance lessons, which I still enjoy to this day. I'm a tap dancer—it's one of my greatest joys. They knew it was a tough business, but that only made me more determined. Even now, after all these years, I'm happiest when I'm working."
How Esther Got Her Name
So, how did your character, Esther, finally get her name?
"It's such a fun story. My co-star Jeanne Cooper, who played Katherine Chancellor, actually named her during rehearsals. One day, she started calling me 'Esther' while we were filming, and I just went with it! Later, we held a national contest to choose her last name. We had some great options like Diamond and Valentine. Our creator, Bill, let me decide, so I picked Valentine because I got married on Valentine's Day. I thought it would bring good luck—and it did!"
Four Decades of Excitement
How do you keep the excitement alive after 40 years of playing the same character?
"It's all about the unpredictability. Just like real life, you never know what's coming next. Every morning, I wake up wondering what Esther will get into today. Will she fall in love again? Will she face another challenge? I'm always eager to dive into the scripts and see what surprises await. That's what keeps the role so thrilling for me. I'm incredibly proud of our show and grateful for every moment."
A Favorite Moment
Do you have a favorite episode over the years?
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"Oh, there are so many, but one stands out. It was the episode where my daughter Chloe, played by the talented Elizabeth Hendrickson, returned to town. I was carrying a tray of champagne, and when I saw her, I dropped the entire thing. That scene was intense! I only had one shot to get it right, and I was a nervous wreck. But it turned out beautifully. It's one of my most cherished memories from the show."
Family on Set
Who are you closest to among the cast?
"Jeanne Cooper, who played Mrs. Chancellor, was like family to me. We worked together for over 30 years and stayed close outside of work. Even now, I can feel her presence in the studio. Her voice is still with me. The entire Young and the Restless cast feels like one big family. We've shared so much—births, deaths, illnesses, and happy moments. It's a bond that goes beyond the screen."
That's truly special.
"It really is. We spend so much time together that it becomes a second home. Everyone looks out for each other, and it's been an incredible journey."
Lessons Learned and Balancing Life
Is there anything you wish you'd known earlier in life?
"One thing I continue to work on is seeing the glass as half full instead of half empty. Life is full of ups and downs, and I wish I'd embraced the positives sooner. Another lesson is finding balance between my personal life and career. It's essential to maintain harmony, and it ultimately makes you a better performer. I'm still learning, but I'm grateful for the journey."
Do you still work as a United Airlines flight attendant?
"Yes, and I've always kept it quiet because I didn't want it to affect how people viewed me as an actress. But over time, I realized it's part of who I am. Meeting passengers and hearing their stories keeps me grounded. It's a reminder that fame shouldn't change who you are. Some people get lost in their own press, but I strive to stay authentic."
That's refreshing to hear.
"It really is. I love interacting with people from all walks of life. It gives me perspective and keeps me humble."
Fun Outside of Work
What do you enjoy doing for fun?
"Dancing, of course! I still love tap dancing and performing. One of my favorite episodes was when I got to sing and dance to Stephen Sondheim's 'Everyone Ought to Have a Maid.' It was a dream come true. Dancing keeps me energized and healthy, and it's something I'll always cherish."
Would you ever pursue more singing and dancing professionally?
"Absolutely. My heart lies in theater, where I started as a singer-dancer. I'd love to perform on Broadway someday. It's a goal I haven't lost sight of."
Spirituality and Moving Forward
How does spirituality influence your life?
"There have been challenging moments, like losing my beloved husband, Ron. It's been five years, and I still feel his presence. Maybe he and Jeanne are up there watching over us? For me, spirituality is about faith and giving back. It's about making a difference in the world and spreading kindness wherever I can."
After 40 years in the industry, what keeps you motivated?
"I never take anything for granted. In this business, characters can disappear in an instant. You could walk up the stairs one day and never come back down. I also remember the fans who take the time to connect with me. Whether it's a letter, a photo request, or a kind word, I'm deeply grateful. Being able to touch people's lives is an honor I don't take lightly."
