Eric Braeden made his The Young and the Restless debut 44 years ago. The role was intended to be short, but the show’s creator/head writer/sr. executive producer William J. Bell quickly realized he had a winner in Braeden so the part was expanded. The show is celebrating the actor’s special day with a powerful scene.
Eric Braeden: ‘I am Victor Newman!’
Braeden has said many times that two of his favorite scenes involve the ones in which Victor confronted his parents — Cora Miller (Dorothy McGuire) and Albert Miller (George Kennedy). The meeting with his estranged mother occurred in 1984. Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) set out to reunite the two, but Victor was furious with his mother for leaving him at an orphanage when he was just a little boy.
Nearly 20 years later, in 2003, Victor visited his dying father, Albert. Initially, Albert had no idea who Victor was so the mustached mogul informed his absent dad, letting loose with fury in the process. While Victor and Cora found peace before her death, things didn’t go as well with Victor and Albert.
Albert, upon learning who Victor was, offered to write him a check to get rid of him. “I want nothing from you….nothing,” Victor shot back. “I’m no longer Christian Miller. I’m Victor Newman. THE Victor Newman! Do you understand? I’ve made my own life.
“I’m wealthy beyond your wildest dreams,” Victor continued as his fury intensified. “I’m respected and known around the world. And perhaps I should thank you for the pain you have caused me….for the cruelty you have done to me because without that I would not be the man I am now.
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“Without the pain I have carried with me for all of my life I wouldn’t have realized that none of it means anything,” the mogul said. “No wealthy means anything without family. I’ve come to say goodbye to you and I’ve said my goodbye.
“Let’s go my boy,” Victor said to Nick (Joshua Morrow), who had accompanied his dad. Albert groused “Don’t come back…do you hear me?” in a tone that indicated he didn’t expect to ever see Victor again.
“Why would I ever come back to see you?” Victor replied. Outside Albert’s room, Victor’s strong stance collapsed as he broke down into tears, showing that the little abandoned boy was still inside him.
“One the most impactful scenes,” posted Instagram user chiefdaddymaster. Also, Untamedqueen wrote: “That was one of the best scenes and storyline! With his son Nicholas standing 10 toes down with him! Love it!”
Kudos go, of course, not only to Braeden for this powerful scene but also to Kennedy and Morrow. Soap Hub congratulates Braeden on 44 years as Victor Newman. What are your favorite memories of his portrayal of Victor? Let us know in the comments below.
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