The Latest on Eric Braeden’s Plans to Retire From THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS!
On March 26, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS will celebrate its 48th broadcast anniversary… and soap icon Eric Braeden has been playing Victor for 41 of those years. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a Genoa City that Victor Newman is not part of! And if the actor — who will soon turn 80 — has anything to do with it, he will continue to play the legendary character for as long as he possibly can!
“I feel very loyal to The Young & The Restless, very beholden to Victor, and very beholden to the audience who has supported us for all those years,” Braeden told People. “I intend to stay as long as I can.”
Braeden joined the cast of Y&R in 1980, quickly becoming a fan favorite as his debonair alter ego put down roots in Genoa City. As Victor wheeled and dealed with business associates and wined and dined the ladies over the years, the Emmy winner admitted that “obviously, I’ve grown fond of some people that I’ve worked with for so long. [I’ve] learned to appreciate who really has been essential to this show.”
Topping that list is Melody Thomas Scott, whose Nikki has been involved with Victor practically since the moment he arrived in Genoa City. “I adore her, love her,” he raved. “She has put up with me and I sometimes am not the easiest guy to get along with, sometimes.”
As he stares down his upcoming 80th birthday on April 3, Braeden said that he has no plans to slow down. “While that’s one number that I sort of shy away from, I’m very proud of it,” he shared. “I learned from early on, what you do in the last mile is what you are judged by. So, I’ve got to keep on plugging, keep on fighting, keep on working and never give up.”
So don’t expect a retirement party for the legendary actor anytime soon. “I love my life,” he proclaimed. “I love my colleagues. I love my family and friends. So, do I see myself retiring anytime soon? Hell no! My life has been enriched by having been introduced to so many things.”
