The Young and the Restless star Eric Braeden, who portrays Victor Newman on the CBS soap, returned to the site of his home for the first time since it burned in the Los Angeles wildfires. The actor had a raw and emotional reaction to seeing the devastation.
First Look At Fire Devastation
Braeden went with ET to get a first look at his home in the daylight. The footage showed him his garage, which featured a heavily damaged weight-lifting bench. Braeden teared up as he surveyed the devastation to the home he’d lived in for 45 years.
MORE: See how Joshua Morrow helped Braeden learn his home’s fate.
“I didn’t think it would hit me this hard,” he said. The actor said he didn’t want his family to see it. Braeden compared the devastation to the daily bombing he experienced growing up during World War II. He also mentioned that they rebuilt after the war. “You’ve got to rebuild,” he said.
“You know when you watch TV, and you see all this news coverage of all these people losing their homes? I understand now,” he said. “It’s such a feeling of loss.”
Braeden also noted that his son, Christian Gudegast, was in London for the premiere of Den of Thieves, which opens January 10. The actor wore a bomber jacket featuring the movie. “I’m proud of my boy,” Braeden said. He revealed that his children’s success was more important than his own life. Braeden vowed to rebuild so that he could pass the property on to his children and grandchildren.
As for what Braeden saved when he left, he admitted they didn’t believe the fire would threaten their home. He said they took their passports, pictures, and some papers, and what they could pack in the last hour before they left. Check out the entire interview in the video below.
Braeden’s co-star, Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea), lost her new home to the fires. In addition, The Bold and the Beautiful‘s Jennifer Gareis (Donna) and General Hospital‘s Cameron Mathison (Drew) both lost their homes in the wildfires. Mathison also warned fans against donating to scam GoFundMe accounts earlier today.
Soap Hub sends our thoughts to all those in the Los Angeles area affected by these tragic wildfires. We send our wishes for peace and safety amid the chaos.
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