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Y&R's Eric Braeden "I'll Be Damned" Video Interview: Life On A Soap Opera, Being Victor Newman, His Castmates, His Early Life and Childhood!
Photo: MF Soaps Inc.
Earlier this month, The Young and the Restless’ soap opera icon, Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) released his memoir “I’ll Be Damned” nationwide.
And now for launch of Michael Fairman’s new You Tube channel, The Michael Channel, Eric is the inaugural interview guest. In sitting down with the Daytime Emmy-winning and popular star, Michael and Eric tackled many subjects and moments from Braeden’s memoir, and life both on-screen and off.
In “I’ll Be Damned” and their conversation, Eric reveals emotional moments from his childhood including: losing his father at an early age, the atrocities of Adolph Hitler and Nazi Germany, getting his start in America and his first big break in Hollywood, changing his name from Hans Gudegast to Eric Braeden, meeting his wife, Dale and the birth of his son, Christian. Trying to right the wrongs of his homeland, Braeden opens up about his dedication to his humanitarian work helping form the German American Culture Society, and working for decades to show the world that what we share as humans is far more important than what separates us from one another, and to change perceptions.
In “I’ll Be Damned, Eric takes his fans on a journey of his life behind the scenes of the number one daytime drama series including: what was the trigger that made him decide to stay on as Victor following his conversation with the late Bill Bell (Creator, Y&R). What he thinks of some of his longtime current and former castmates including; the late Jeanne Cooper, Melody Thomas Scott, Heather Tom, Joshua Morrow, Doug Davidson, and more.
In this interview and as detailed in his memoir, Eric opens up about the one former Y&R actor actor who talked behind his back to other cast members, and stirred up so much controversy that he was eventually fired, and Braeden details what happened during his famous slip-up during a Daytime Emmy appearance.
Watch part one and part two of Eric Braeden’s “I’ll Be Damned’ Interview with Michael Fairman after the jump! T hen let us know what was your favorite part of it, and if you gleaned anything more about this soap veteran in the comment section below!
Look, I respect Eric Braden and his portrayal of Victor Newman, however, he is far from my favourite daytime actor and character. However, he seems to hold a grudge against certain people, especially those who’ve been apologetic and empathetic to their misgivings and mis-actions. And, that, to me, shows a flaw in a person’s character. Nor does it seem to be the right feeling. Two wrongs do not make a right, and Mr. Braden continues to make his decisions in the wrong position. We all know who this unnamed actor is, and out of respect, I won’t mention this person’s name. However, I do believe in second chances, and would for them to get the second chance to portray their character, and for Mr. Braden to give this actor a second chance to prove they are a changed person, both professionally and personally.
You don’t seemed to have listened to what he said. You might have heard, but not listened. Eric didn’t bring it up, he didn’t attack…he actually said MM was a good actor. He recounted, without malice, the vibe and attitude he received from MM…clarified that he didn’t have anything to do with the firing (you can believe him or not…we’ll never know). But, as was this entire interview, he was classy, spoke highly of all and for the one he didn’t…he used much restraint. Kudos!
Actually, rebecca1, I both heard and listened to what Eric said to Michael. My comments were aimed mainly by both this video interview, his book excerpts, and other interviews he has done online. And the mere fact you’re attempting to actually name the actor is also quite insulting, etc.
I want to say, “you’re kidding, right?” Do you honestly think anyone who followed this story doesn’t know who he’s talking about? It’s quite public…and if you follow this logically there would be no point in his answering Michael Fairman’s question, if no one knew who they were talking about. None of us needs shrink away from his name when discussing the topic; it was brought up and we’re not part of some “secret service”. LOL.
And, I responded to your comment which was posted here, in reference to THIS interview. Thus, my response to you was based on that alone and what was actually said during it.
Who you think Eric was talking about, the kid who played Austin? Come on Scott, EVERYONE knows its Muhney! So what, Eric either will not say the name or is not allowed. Lets move on!
He seemed relaxed here hopefully now that he has spoken on this actor who we all know who it is we can put it behind us and move on and quit thinking he is ever coming back to the show. Picking a battle as he did with EB was not smart been with the show forever .
hi Kay..
And !!!! it was not said the he was a tittay graber ..lol
That was always bs, was never fact, it was always a power play going on, chest pounding for king of the jungle….
I agree I think it’s what we call smoke and mirrors I loved his portrayal of Adam but my dear politics prevail would you like for me to expose how many of thes actors threw chairs threw up on sets etc etc I don’t care performance in screen is the bottom line! I am a business woman I would put up with this off stage nonsense one second ! I may not always agree with your tone but I respect your energy
In other words can we bury the hatchet!!!!
I am appalled that a JFP and AM did not stop it but they took the easy way out sad but true
Be kind I love the soaps and you are probably right need to get with the ages but us old folks take some time ! God bless and be patient
ahhh Eric he’s the d`man!
Eric Braeden & Victor Newman, I’m a fan of both ..
Eric/Victor is the heart of Y&R, he is the holding cornerstone.
Victor is the Only character that I have never FF ..
Michael Fairman .. You are indeed the best of the best.
Your interviews are heartfelt. Amazing guy, you are. Thanks! (you are appreciated 🙂
Its against the rules of watching soaps, never FF Eric Braeden or Anthony Geary!
I love Eric’s Tweet rants. When he rails against Trump, I hear Victor Newman reading those lines.
Eric is d’man indeed! What a class act!
What a great interview with the great Eric Braedon!
E B. And Victor Newman is the Young & The Restless. The day Victor retires is the same day I I’ll stop watching.
I wish someone will tell me who the ex actor who is beefing with Eric.Some please text me the actor name ..
Michael Muhney.
Michael muhney ex Adam Newman, he was a troublemaker, talking behind peoples back. He caused a lot of trouble behind the scenes. he wanted eric to get fired. he was a punk lol.
MIchael Muhney could have stepped in Eric’s big shoes when Eric leaves. NO other actor on that show is capable!
Great actor like to hear his voice
Wow! Completely impressed by Eric Braeden! So refined, good-looking, poised, confident, intelligent…well-spoken. As a Jewish person I’m particularly impressed by his sensitivity to the Holocaust, his respect for the millions it effected and his desire to contribute to a better dialogue between faiths.
His respect for his fellow actors on Y&R (I don’t care and am not/was not invested in MM and would believe Eric over MM if I was) is also very nice to hear.
Great peek into this actor’s mindset. Too bad he can’t say the things President Orange should be saying…from the time Jewish journalists received death threats to the Heil Trumpsters in Washington…the ever-growing anti-semitic acts as yet another Jewish cemetery was attacked…. Braeden would be just perfect to address such heinous acts. A German man condemning this rash of hate..brought to the surface and flourishing under this “regime”… Braeden said lightyears more ( and with such sincerity) in this interview than Trump was “forced” to say in the three littleinconsequential sentences about the ever-growing hateful acts.
Wonderful interview.
Love your post, Rebecca. I also loved watching this interview.
I especially appreciated it when Michael Fairman had Eric Braeden cracking up which in turn, had me cracking up!!!
Thank you, Rhonda. Yes..I always laugh (or smile) when others are laughing. That’s the one good contagious thing! 😉
Great interview Michael Fairman, I love Eric as Victor Newman. He is a very talented actor.
I have been watching the y/r forever love everyone on the soap. Eric braeden is the star of the show it’ wouldn’t be the same without him love you victor newman ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Eric IS daytime! He is full of class, full of history and full of talent. He does have a sense of humor but takes his job very seriously. I like the honesty of him admitting that the “Newmans” have an inner circle. Its a shame Michael Muhney carried on the way he did. I have read how remorseful he is and would hope that he gets a second chance. He should ask Eric for a meeting, just the two of them to right the ship. Even though Eric claims he doesnt hire and fire actors, his word means a lot! Great interview. I wish Eric would do a book tour. What a man!
Class in what universe he is alway combative with everybody the few cast members he is friends with are weaklings at best
K, you just dont like the character “Victor.” Its okay, there are many like you. I respect what the MAN has experienced growing up and who he is. Not everyone can be a sweet little old grandpa who dismisses everything because of his age. He is strong, opinionated and stubborn. He hides no facts of why he is like this. He doesnt trust many and only lets select people in his life. You dont know anyone like that? MM was the one punk who came in and thought he was the heir to the thrown! Eric didnt like him and others, as well. MM has since admitted to his poor behavior and asked the cast for forgiveness. By the way, he is friends with Paul, Michael, Nikki and Victoria in real life. Those people are NOT weaklings!
I found the book very readable with some minor exceptions. One thing I noticed and
found a bit troubling was the omission of Sharon Case in the chapter about the
Y&R cast (he only mentioned her name as Noah’s mother). Anyone else notice?
You could not be more wrong I love the character of Victor I just think he needs the actor a reality check stop thinking he is always right give a little sure makes for less stress! You really think MM was totally to blame for the conflict? Talk to Peter Bergman
Excellent interview I love Eric since Rat Patrol. Love his portal of Victor !! Thank you so very much. Great title for his book!
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.
Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
DAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
Judith Light Talks Her Role in ‘The Terror: The Devil In Silver’ Dropping on AMC+ with Co-Star ‘Downton Abbey’ Alum, Dan Stevens
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