Eric Braeden, best known for his iconic portrayal of Victor Newman on the long-running soap opera *The Young and the Restless*, has revealed that he nearly walked away from the role that has defined much of his career. Braeden, now 85, joined the cast in 1980, with the character initially slated for a brief appearance, but has since become a pivotal figure on the show.
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In a candid interview on the podcast *Still Here Hollywood* with Steve Kmetko, Braeden reflected on the early days of his performance and the challenges he faced. “After about a year, I wanted to leave the show,” he admitted, expressing his frustrations with the demanding nature of daytime television. The actor described the work in this genre as “daunting,” contending that it is one of the most challenging environments for performers and writers alike.
Braeden explained that working in soap operas often requires actors to memorise and deliver extensive amounts of dialogue in rapid succession. He shared that on particularly intense days, he had tackled scripts of up to 62 pages. “It doesn’t leave much room for interpretation,” he noted, pointing out the relentless pace which often demands unwavering concentration.
However, the turning point in Braeden’s relationship with the character came when William J. Bell, the co-creator of *The Young and the Restless*, decided to deepen Victor’s backstory. Braeden recounted a pivotal moment when he expressed to Bell his weariness of portraying villains. “I told him, I’ve played bad guys for too many years—and it’s boring,” he recalls. This honesty ultimately led Bell to craft a more complex narrative for Victor Newman.
Bell’s effort to enrich Victor’s background culminated in a significant scene with Melody Thomas Scott, who plays Nikki Newman, Victor’s wife. In that moment, Braeden’s character shared his upbringing in an orphanage, revealing his past to be shaped by hardship and loss. Victor’s backstory, which details being abandoned by a destitute mother and growing up under the shadow of a cruel father, brought depth to the character and allowed Braeden to explore new thematic avenues.
The exploration into Victor’s motivations significantly changed Braeden’s perspective on the role. He expressed that this new dimension added immense psychological depth to Victor, explaining his fierce loyalty to family and why he fights to protect his empire. “It opened up huge possibilities,” he said, admitting that this reinvention influenced his decision to remain on the show.
In the years that followed, Braeden has firmly established Victor Newman as a central figure in American daytime drama, contributing to his status as a character who remains ever-absorbing for viewers. Braeden also shared that after enduring the grueling pace of daytime filming, he has become accustomed to it, finding other forms of acting—like night shoots—too slow for his liking.
His impressive portrayal has not gone unnoticed, as Braeden has been nominated for eight Daytime Emmy Awards, earning the accolade for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1998. Additionally, his contributions to the entertainment industry were recognised in 2007 when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
As *The Young and the Restless* approaches its milestone anniversary, Eric Braeden’s journey with the character of Victor Newman continues to be a fascinating aspect of his career. His reflections on the character not only highlight the challenges of soap opera acting but also underscore the importance of character development in portraying complex stories over time. Braeden’s storytelling resonates with fans, ensuring that Victor Newman remains a mainstay in the realm of daytime television.