“The Young and the Restless” spoilers reveal that Victor (Eric Braeden) is about to be a very busy man. Between looking into Ian’s (Ray Wise) dirty deeds and processing the news that Adam (Justin Hartley) is alive and well, Victor should have a lot on his plate. Likewise, the man behind the notorious Victor Newman shows no signs of slowing down. In an interview with The Charlotte Observer, Eric Braeden opened up about growing older and life in the soap business.
The war between the Newmans and the Abbotts is typically front and center on “The Young and the Restless.” As head of the Newman family, Victor is in the middle of it all. That’s just fine with Braeden, who recently signed a three-year contract. Braeden debuted as Victor in 1980 and he’s cemented his status as a soap legend. You can expect Braeden to keep doing what he does best. “I’m 74, I’m proud of it—very proud of it—and will compete along a lot of lines with a lot of people,” Braeden said.
There are usually rumors floating around that Eric Braeden will take his final bow at the long-running CBS daytime drama. However, Braeden shoots them down every time with extension after extension to his contract. It appears retirement isn’t even in the back of Braeden’s mind. “I don’t intend to retire,” Braeden confirmed. “Retirement to me is death.” Braeden added that “working out is so important” to stay at the top of his game.
Just like Braeden’s career, “The Young and the Restless” is going strong. Braeden believes rooting storylines in reality is a big part of the show’s staying power. “Our show was more successful than others over the last 29 years because we have tried to make it as real as possible,” Braeden noted. Braeden suggested that “life is so interesting” and mimicking it makes gripping entertainment.
Of course, Y&R’s head writer, Chuck Pratt, has given us a few highly fictional storylines lately. The Marco (Peter Bergman) doppelganger plot immediately comes to mind. Nevertheless, at its core, “The Young and the Restless” is about the people of Genoa City and their continued struggles. Sooner or later, the Newman and Abbott war is always reignited and Victor once again gains the upper hand.
Some viewers feel like the soap would sink without Victor Newman steering the ship. It’s certainly an iconic character, but Braeden doesn’t believe Y&R lives or dies by his involvement. Braeden said, “I have met so many actors over the years who’ve said, ‘Without me, this show would be nothing’…and where are they now? Don’t ever assume that without you, the show will go down the drain…”
When certain actors do decide to depart, Braeden feels it doesn’t make that much of a difference in the final product. “They leave and we say, ‘Well, not quite the same, but oh well.” Perhaps someday we’ll have to say that about Braeden and the character most of us love to hate. For now, we can savor every scheme and look forward to many more to come. Stick with “The Young and the Restless” for updates on what Victor will be up to next.
So Y&R fans, what do you think about the news that Eric Braeden doesn’t plan on retiring? Are you hopeful that Victor will remain in Genoa City for as long as possible? Is Victor one of your favorite soap characters? Let us know what you think in the comments below and don’t forget to check CDL often for the latest “Young and the Restless” spoilers, rumors, updates and news.
