In a new interview published on the eve of Eric Braeden’s 45th anniversary on Young and Restless as Victor Newman — the Daytime Emmy-winning star first appeared in the role on February 8, 1980 — the actor opened up to TV Insider about his amazing run in Genoa City and his recent personal tragedy, the loss of his Pacific Palisades home to the devastating California wildfires.
From The Ashes
The actor acknowledged how challenging it has been to find himself suddenly homeless and bereft of a lifetime of possessions. “Emotionally, you go through ups and downs,” he noted. “But you’re never really fully prepared for the unforeseen events in life.”
Braeden and his wife, Dale Gudegast, are still debating what the future holds for them. “So far, we intend to rebuild,” he said — but the caveat is that it is still unclear whether insurance companies will insure residents in his community, and the timeline is also up in the air, as rebuilding “can only happen after a thorough cleaning up of the soil, etc.”
In light of the heaviness in his life away from work, Braeden proclaimed that he was grateful for the mental break his work on Y&R provides. He explained, “You need to focus, otherwise you can’t do the scenes, so it gives you a little relief from the constant concerns and worries.”
So many years into his Y&R career, Braeden — whose first contract with the show was for a meager three months, and the actor originally had no intention of staying any longer — shared that he still finds much to be inspired by when it comes to portraying Victor. “I love playing the character,” he asserted. “He is self-made. He is suspicious. He’s tough. He’s hard. But he’s also vulnerable and he wants family more than anything because he didn’t have it growing up.”
The actor cited the satisfaction he felt during a recent scene with Christian J. LeBlanc (Michael) as an example of why playing Victor still excites him after 45 years. “I cannot often predict what I’ll do in a scene, but when you really listen and suddenly something comes to you, boom. It’s those moments I cherish,” Braeden smiled.
Braeden also feels a reverence for the special place both the show and the powerful character he plays has in the hearts and minds of the Y&R audience. “We entertain millions of people all over the world and that gives you a certain feeling of responsibility to do it as well as you can,” he mused, “and it gives you some joy as well.”
And fortunately for daytime fans worldwide, Braden made it clear that he still has no plans to retire, declaring, “I’m a stubborn son of a bitch. I’m still here.”
Monty Brinton/CBS
Living Legends: Braeden and longtime Y&R love interest Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki) are two of the show’s cornerstones.
