Eric Braeden has been playing Victor on The Young and the Restless for 46 years. Throughout his time on the show, Braeden’s been in many storylines. But when it comes to his favorite, there’s one that really sticks out.
Key Takeaways
- Braeden debuted as Victor in February 1980.
- The short-term role turned long-term after positive feedback from fans.
- Victor’s past was slowly revealed, given viewers and Braeden a new appreciation for the character.
Eric Braeden Loved Delving Into Victor’s Past
When Braeden made his debut as Victor in 1980, he didn’t know how much the role would change his life. After impressing the showrunners and fans with his performances, Braeden was signed to a new contract.
Although it was a pivotal time for Braeden, the actor admitted when he started on the show, it was difficult. “The beginning. I didn’t like it, I didn’t like the medium,” Braeden revealed in a Q&R on Y&R Insider’s Instagram story.
The actor went on to cite the soap’s schedule as a reason for his displeasure. “I didn’t like the enormous amount of work we had to do in a short period of time. I found it almost imperative, you know, because you don’t have time to rehearse, and I didn’t like it at all.”
However, Braeden’s attitude changed when the show decided to delve into Victor’s upbringing. “Bill Bell wrote a storyline on Victor Newman’s childhood and his having grown up in an orphanage, then I knew I had a fantastic storyline that would last forever.”
As fans remember, Victor’s father, Albert Miller (George Kennedy), abandoned the family, leaving Victor’s mother, Cora (Dorothy McGuire), to raise her sons alone. Unable to provide for her sons, Cora placed them in an orphanage. Having been abandoned by his parents left an emotional scar on Victor and made him the way he is.
Braeden says the story of Victor’s childhood gave him so many things to play with. “It’s the basic wounds of every grown-up having been left in an orphanage, deep-seated. So, everything he is is understandable.”
Love or Hate, Victor’s the Star of Genoa City
Fans often have a love/hate relationship with Victor. The business tycoon has a ruthless side and makes many enemies. He’s also done many despicable things, which often drives his family away.
But whether viewers love or hate Victor, there’s no denying he makes things interesting. For 46 years, Braeden has shown Victor’s vulnerability along with his merciless side. And there’s no slowing down for the actor and his character as Victor remains front and center in many storylines revolving around the Newmans.
