Soap Hub Performer of the Week for Y&R: Eric Braeden

The Young and the Restless viewers know that Victor Newman will do almost anything to preserve his business legacy for his family. He’ll stop at nothing to ensure that the empire he built remains under the Newman name, including taking down his lying son-in-law, Ashland Locke. For his performance, Soap Hub Performer of the Week honors for Y&R is presented to Victor’s portrayer, Eric Braeden.

Eric Braeden — Performer of the Week

This week, Victor confronted Adam Newman (Mark Grossman) about his loyalty to the Newman family. While he did his typical Victor behavior, Adam continued to wonder whether or not his dad enlisting him to spy on Ashland Locke (Robert Newman) was yet another test. Braeden expressed his on-screen alter ego’s fury at his son’s refusal to instantly bow to his wishes well, bringing us back to some of The Mustache’s glory days.

Then, Eric Braeden did it again when Victor and Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) had a chance meeting at Society. Jack bought his one-time nemesis a drink, and they waxed poetic about regrets or lack thereof. At one point, Victor discussed his childhood with Jack, and we couldn’t help but think a bit of the actor’s own childhood, escaping a war-torn region. We certainly recalled Victor’s unhappy growing up years that spurred him to become the self-made man he is today.

Overall, it’s been wonderful to see Victor back in the thick of things again on Y&R. It’s certainly where he belongs! Victor has recognized the threat that Ashland poses to the Newman empire, and he’ll be damned if he allows some outsider to destroy his legacy even if that outsider is married to Victoria Newman Locke (Amelia Heinle). We’ve appreciated Eric Braeden and his powerful Victor scenes. Bravo!

The Young and the Restless (YR) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Genoa City, check out all the latest that’s been posted on Y&R spoilers, and for an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.