Ilene Kristen, born Ilene Schatz, returned to Daytime in November 2001 in the role of OLTL's unpredictable Roxanne Balsom. Making her Broadway debut in Henry, Sweet Henry and then originated the role of Patty Simcox in Grease. On Broadway, she has also appeared as Leona Helmsley in Mayor. Off-Broadway, she's appeared in productions of Trust, All that Glitters, Acts of Providence, Light up the Sky, The Dolphin Position, Cowboy, The Gig, Marvin's Room, and Blood Orange. A member of the Ensemble Studio Theatre since 1984, Ilene has participated in five one-act marathons and the acclaimed comedy Strange Behavior.
Ilene, best known to daytime audiences as Delia Reid Ryan from Ryan's Hope, has also appeared on Loving and Another World. She has also guest starred on some nighttime programs such as Law & Order, Third Watch and The Sopranos.
In 1977, Ilene co-founded the Jean Renoir Cinema in Greenwich Village, specializing in independent and rarely seen foreign film. She produced the award-winning short film, The Aftermath and helped finance three other shorts. Also in 1977, Ilene was a producer for the film Everything's George.
In addition to acting, Ilene has been a veteran of the music club scene since the 1980's. After being in the mamba band, PE DE BOI, she formed her own band called Pulse which appeared in such NYC venues as the China Club and Heartbreak. From 1987 to 1993 she collaborated with saxophonist Victor Lesser, and was the opening act for Bruce Willis's band. In 1996, Ilene was the literary manager and consulting producer for the Musical Theatre Works. She works actively with playwrights in their developmental process and has been on the EST Board of Directors since 2984. In 2001, she performed her own music with her band at the former New York City club, Arci's Place. She also wrote the lyrics for the song, Ina Heartbeat on jazz guitarist Chuck Loeb's current album. She produced the musical Him and Her.
Disturbed by the plight of the homeless, Ilene piloted an arts program in the mid to late 1980's for children called 'Prince George Hotel'. Ilene's lives in Manhattan and loves to travel.
Another World
Madeline Thompson
1995
Loving
Norma Gilpin
1990 to 1991
One Life to Live
Georgina Whitman
1982
Ryan's Hope
Delia Reid Ryan Ryan Colderidge
1975 to 1979, 1982 to 1983, 1986 to 1989
The Signs of the Cross
Mrs. Coyne
2004
Tinsel Town
2002
Vivid
Susan
1997
The Shaman
Helen
1987
Desperately Seeking Susan
Party Guest
1985
Why Would I Lie?
Waitress
1980
The Lady in Red
Wynona
1979
Preacherman
Mary Lou
1971
PLACE OF BIRTH: Brooklyn, New York
DATE OF BIRTH: July 30, 1952
HAIR: Blonde
