Karen Wolek

Karen Wolek
Judith Light as Karen Wolek
One Life to Live character
Portrayed by	Kathryn Breech (1976–77) Julia Duffy (1977) Judith Light (1977–83)
Duration	1976–83
First appearance	May 1976 (May 1976)
Last appearance	February 1, 1983 (February 1, 1983)
Created by	Gordon Russell
Introduced by	Doris Quinlan
Classification	Former, regular
Profile
Occupation	Housewife Prostitute
Residence	Canada
Julia Duffy portrayed Karen Wolek before Judith Light assumed the role
Family Wolek Sisters Jenny Wolek Spouse Larry Wolek (1977–79)

Karen Wolek is a fictional character appearing on the American soap opera One Life to Live between May 1976 and February 1983. The role was most notably performed by Judith Light beginning in November 1977. Karen ultimately departs for an off-screen life in Canada, coinciding with Light's departure from the series.

Newcomer Kathryn Breech originated the role of Karen from 1976 until July 1977. Julia Duffy assumed the role from July through November 1977, when the character was permanently recast with theater actress Judith Light. Light was offered the role after auditioning as an understudy. Light departed in 1983—to star in ABC's new primetime sitcom Who's the Boss?—and the role of Karen was not recast.

The sister of Jenny (Katherine Glass) and distant cousin to the Woleks, Karen (Kathryn Breech) first appears on screen in 1976, a year after her sister's arrival. Where Jenny was created as a confident, kind-hearted heroine, Karen was presented as a scheming, two-dimensional . She sought an easy life as the fiancée of wealthy doctor and distant cousin Larry Wolek (Michael Storm). As Karen and Larry's wedding day approached, Karen entangled herself with recently arrived former lover and con artist Marco Dane (Gerald Anthony), who threatened to reveal the dealings of their past relationship with Larry. As fiscally-responsible Larry refused to dole out exorbitant allowances to pay for his fiancée's expensive tastes, Karen soon engaged in afternoon trysts with wealthy businessmen such as Talbot Huddleston (Byron Sanders) in order to afford luxuries. When Marco discovered Karen's dalliances, he forced her (Julia Duffy) to become a "housewife hooker," prostituting in order for Karen to prevent Larry from uncovering the truth.