The Young and the Restless Star Eric Braeden Speaks Out on Retirement

Eric Braeden took the occasion of a milestone birthday coming up to set the record straight on some issues in a mainstream publication. The Daytime Emmy-winning star of The Young and the Restless wants his fans to know just how much playing Victor means to him and more!

Eric Braeden Sets the Record Straight

People talked to Braeden about a variety of topics as he approaches his 80th birthday, which is coming up on April 3. “I feel very loyal to The Young and the Restless, very beholden to Victor and very beholden to the audience who has supported us for all those years,” the actor said.

While Victor has doled out responsibilities at Newman Enterprises to Victoria (Amelia Heinle), Braeden says he has no plans to pull back from playing Victor. “I intend to stay as long as I can,” the actor says. That’s certainly a relief to the actor’s legion of fans.

Braeden goes on to say that he appreciates not only the role of Victor but also the people with whom he works especially his long-term leading lady, Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki). “I adore her, love her,” he says. “She has put up with me and I sometimes am not the easiest guy to get along with, sometimes.”

Braeden maintains an exercise regime that keeps both the actor and Victor in fighting shape! “I start my mornings with exercise: 100 left-right combinations of 100 hooks, 100 uppercuts, then I’ll do some planks,” he reports.

He philosophizes that people are judged by what they do in their last mile. “So, I’ve got to keep on plugging, keep on fighting, keep on working and never give up,” Braeden says. “I think one of the worst things to do is to sit down and contemplate my navel. The old saying is so true: If you don’t use it, you lose it.” The Young and the Restless (YR) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes.