Eric Braeden, the legendary actor known for his role in ‘The Young and the Restless’, has shared his thoughts on his experience filming ‘Titanic’, comparing it to his time on the long-running soap opera. Braeden, who has portrayed Victor Newman on the soap since 1980, recently discussed his perspective on working in the two different mediums in an interview with fellow soap stars Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart on their podcast, Soapy.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Eric-Braeden-titanic-young-restless-070725-86aeca71b4094ccebaac1ef23c7ede74.jpg)
During the interview, Braeden expressed his view that many people do not fully understand the demanding nature of soap opera acting. He highlighted the lack of time for socializing and building relationships on soap sets compared to other forms of entertainment like films and primetime television. The actor emphasised the importance of downtime between scenes in fostering camaraderie, which he found lacking in the fast-paced environment of soap operas.

In the podcast, Braeden specifically discussed his role in ‘Titanic’ where he portrayed John Jacob Astor IV, the wealthy passenger who perished in the tragic sinking of the ship. Despite the grandeur of the film and its historical significance, Braeden candidly admitted that he found the experience “bloody boring” in comparison to his work on ‘The Young and the Restless’. The actor’s comments shed light on the contrasting realities of filming on a big-budget production versus a daily soap opera.

Having been a fixture on ‘The Young and the Restless’ for over four decades, Braeden’s insights into the differences between the two forms of entertainment offer a unique perspective on the entertainment industry. His comparison of the dynamics on film sets and soap opera sets provides an intriguing glimpse into the challenges and rewards of working in both mediums. Braeden’s candid reflections add a layer of depth to his legendary status in the world of daytime television.
Braeden’s co-stars on the podcast, Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart, also shared their own experiences and perspectives on working in the soap opera genre. The trio’s discussion highlighted the camaraderie and work ethic required to succeed in the fast-paced world of daytime television. As veterans of the industry, Braeden, Budig, and Rikaart offered valuable insights into the unique demands of soap opera acting and the bonds forged on set.
In addition to his role in ‘Titanic’, Braeden has been recognised for his outstanding work on ‘The Young and the Restless’ with multiple Daytime Emmy nominations and a win in 1998. His enduring presence on the soap opera has made him a beloved figure in the world of daytime television. Braeden’s commitment to his craft and his dedication to portraying Victor Newman have solidified his status as a soap opera icon.
As fans and industry insiders continue to appreciate Eric Braeden’s contributions to the world of entertainment, his recent comments on the differences between filming ‘Titanic’ and working on ‘The Young and the Restless’ offer a fascinating glimpse into the actor’s perspective. Braeden’s honesty and candour in discussing his experiences reflect his passion for his craft and his unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional performances.
