Linder Family Genealogy & History

Kate Linder, born on November 2, 1947, in Pasadena, California, is a renowned American actress best known for her enduring role as Esther Valentine on the CBS soap opera "The Young and the Restless," a part she has played since 1982. With a career spanning over 40 years on the show, Linder is one of the longest-serving actors in American soap opera history. Her significant contributions to television have earned her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2008. In addition to her television success, she has appeared in films like "Mother's Day" and "A Little White Lie," showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Kate Linder was married to Dr. Ronald L. Linder for 41 years until his passing in 2017. She is a stepmother to his three children from a previous marriage: Jay, Jon, and Karyn.

Ben Linder, an American engineer born on July 7, 1959, played a pivotal role in Nicaragua by working on a hydroelectric dam project aimed at improving local living conditions. Linder, who held a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Washington, moved to Nicaragua inspired by the Sandinista revolution. Tragically, he was killed by the Contras, a U.S.-backed rebel group, on April 28, 1987, while scouting for a new dam site. His death highlighted the controversial U.S. involvement in Nicaragua and made global headlines, further fueling debates in the U.S. over foreign policy.

Born in California, Ben Linder grew up in a secular Jewish family in San Francisco and Portland, Oregon. His mother, Elisabeth Linder, was publicly vocal about her son's motivations and work in Nicaragua following his death.

Max Linder, born Gabriel Leuvielle, was a pioneering French actor, director, and comedian renowned for his work during the silent film era. Known for his onscreen persona "Max," Linder became one of the first international movie stars and a trailblazer in cinematic comedy. His career highlights include hundreds of short films where he portrayed "Max," a charming and wealthy man-about-town. Linder's significant contributions to early cinema include co-directing and writing scripts, with notable works like The Skater's Debut in 1907. Despite his success in Europe, Linder faced challenges in the U.S. and tragically died in 1925.

Max Linder was born into a wealthy Catholic family in Cavernes, France. His parents, Jean and Suzanne Leuvielle, were vineyard owners, and his brother Maurice was a celebrated rugby player. The family faced challenges such as a grape phylloxera attack on their plantation, prompting Jean and Suzanne to consider emigration. They briefly explored opportunities in New York, where Max's younger brother Gérard was born. The family returned to France, where Max developed a strong bond with his sister Marcelle, who later appeared in his films.

Cec Linder, born Cecil Yekuthial Linder, was a distinguished Polish-born Canadian actor known for his extensive work in film and television. He gained significant recognition for his portrayal of Dr. Matthew Roney in the BBC serial "Quatermass and the Pit" and as CIA agent Felix Leiter in the James Bond classic "Goldfinger". Linder's versatile career spanned roles in popular series like "The Edge of Night" and "Perry Mason", and he made notable appearances in films such as "Lolita". His contributions to both British and North American entertainment included over 225 credits, cementing his legacy in the acting world.

Cec Linder was raised in Timmins, Ontario, where his father served as a rabbi to the Jewish community. Escaping Poland before the Holocaust, Linder's early life was shaped by his family's heritage and his father's leadership within the community.