Y&R Star Robert Newman Talks the Similarities Between Ashland & Victor

After Robert Newman met with the top brass at The Young and the Restless when he took over the role of Ashland Locke, he also reached out to his new leading lady so that the two could establish a rapport since they’re playing husband and wife and on-screen.

When Robert Newman Met Amelia Heinle

“At my urging, [Amelia and I] had a lovely conversation on the phone the day before we started working together,” Robert Newman tells Soap Hub. “We’re doing fine. She’s a lovely, lovely actor. I’m very pleased.”

Newman says Heinle has been a fantastic scene partner as he continues to sink his teeth into the enigmatic Ashland Locke. “There are things I’m trying out with this character as I form how I want to approach him. [Amelia] has been willing to come along on every right and left turn that I take. Kudos to her.”

Like Father, Like Ashland

Some may see parallels between Ashland and Victor Newman (Eric Braeden), Victoria’s father. Both men have gone by other names – Ashland was born Bobby DeFranco, and Victor was christened Christian Miller. Both men are resourceful businessmen who go to extreme lengths to get what they want. Perhaps Victoria was attracted to Ashland because he possesses some of the admirable qualities she finds in her father? “That’s a wonderful observation,” Newman says.

Hello, Robert Newman

Robert Newman is among those who see similarities between Ashland and Victor. “My understanding is that Victor has done some questionable things in his past,” Newman says. By coincidence, the Y&R newcomer’s real-life surname is the same as the one belonging to his TV in-laws! “There’s a lot of ‘Newmans [on this show],” the actor says, adding with a laugh, “I’ve spent my whole life dealing with ‘crazy’ Newmans, and now [they’re in] my soap opera life!”

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.