Connect with us

News

31

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!

By Michael Fairman

Published

on

Photo: MF Soaps Inc.

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!

31 Comments

31 Comments
oldest
newest

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!

General Hospital

Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)

Published

on

By

Maura West and Kelly Sullivan

It was just over 13 years ago on General Hospital when Ava Jerome (Maura West) shot and killed Kate Howard/Connie Falconeri (Kelly Sullivan) in an effort to keep her quiet from revealing that Derek Wells was actually Ava’s back-from-the-dead brother, Julian Jerome (William deVry). It’s a crime that somehow Ava never has quite paid for either.

The episode back aired on August 13, 2013 and viewers had to say goodbye to Kelly Sullivan who played Kate and her alter, Connie. In the story, just before she died, Kate/Connie scrawled the letters AJ in her own blood, initially making the PCPD and Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) think that it was AJ Quatermaine (Sean Kanan) who did the deed.

Now, Sullivan recalled sharing scenes with the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning West, during a live conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel. Kelly was the special guest talking about her recent return to the soaps in her new role as The Bold and the Beautiful’s Darcy Dylan.

Photo: JPI

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF MAURA WEST

Speaking of her final GH scenes and working with Maura West, Sullivan gave her then GH co-star major props. “If you’re going to be shot by somebody (on the soaps), you want to be shot by Maura West, c’mon!”

Maura West debuted back in May 2013 as Ava, and Sullivan remembered when the As the World Turns favorite began on GH. “I remember when Maura West first arrived at GH. She walked in with this cute little bob (hairdo) and she’s just delicious,” shared Sullivan.

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

Kelly revealed more about Maura, adding “I think she’s amazing! I remember right before I left the show, someone suggested, and I would still love to do this with her, if she ever want to, but someone suggested that they wanted to direct the stage play A Streetcar Named Desire with Maura and I, where I would play Stella and she would play Blanche! Wouldn’t that be great?”

Speaking of the Ava/Connie showdown scenes, Sullivan expressed, “On television and on General Hospital specifically, Maura West is able to play a character who does the most horrendous things and you still care about her and that’s the mark of a really great actor. In other words, you’re able to be liked in the midst of the most horrendous things, and as a performer not shying away from that, and to just have the courage to do what’s on the page (in the script).”

Photo: JPI

KELLY SULLIVAN PARTING THOUGHTS AS SHE LEFT GENERAL HOSPITAL

Kelly also shared her sentiments when she walked off the set of General Hospital after her run back in August of 2013. “I really was honored. Every day I would go to work and I would say a little prayer, which is I want to do justice for my character, explained Kelly. “It’s between me and my character. I get to walk this path with her and to leave the show on that note, which is, I left every out there. I just gave it my all and again what an honor it was to play Kate/Connie.”

You can catch the full conversation with Kelly where she talks about her time on General Hospital, The Young and the Restless where she played Sage Warner and now The Bold and the Beautiful below.

So, do you remember the Ava and Connie scenes where Ava shot and killed her? What did you think of Kelly Sullivan’s sentiments about Maura West? Share your thoughts via the comment section. But first, watch the reveal where Ava recalls murdering Connie below!

 

Continue Reading

General Hospital

Steve Burton Reportedly Signs Three-Year Contract with ‘General Hospital’

Published

on

By

Steve Burton

The question of will Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) stay awhile at General Hospital after his recent extended hiatus from the show earlier this year, has reportedly been answered.

TMZ via court documents obtained in Burton’s ongoing legal battle with his ex-wife Sheree Gustin, shared that Steve actually inked a new three year deal with the ABC soap opera back in June.

That is significant because it was June when Burton returned back to work as Jason. In addition, the court filing confirmed that Burton had already moved back to California from Tennessee.

Steve Burton

Photo: ABC

STEVE’S HIATUS AND HIS RETURN TO PORT CHARLES

GH fans will recall, it was back in February of 2026, that Burton announced via his Instagram that he was stepping away from his role of Jason Morgan for short break and pointed to wanting to spend quality time with his new wife, Michelle Lundstrom Burton with whom he tied the knot back on May 17, 2025.

Steve expressed at that time, “I’m newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family.” It was back on March 25 that viewers saw Jason carted away by the WSB after taking the fall for Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) who shot then WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).

Burton returned to work on June 1, and due to General Hospital taping roughly six weeks ahead of air, made his on-screen comeback on the July 13 episode.

GOING FOR GOLD AT THE UPCOMING DAYTIME EMMYS

Then, Steve and his enduring fans got an extra special treat on the same day, when it was revealed on Extra that he was nominated for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.

Steve previously won in the Supporting Actor category for his work as General Hospital’s Jason in 1998 and as The Young and the Restless’ Dylan McAvoy in 2018.

Now with Jason and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship seemingly hitting the skids, plus Jason’s commitment to staying out of mob life to focus on being present for his son Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn), what does the future hold for the fan favorite character? Stay tuned.

So, happy to hear that Steve Burton signed a new three year deal with General Hospital? Knowing that, what storyline would you like to see Jason get involved and with who? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

Continue Reading

News

Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027

Published

on

By

Jess Walton

The Young and the Restless enduring favorite and two-time Daytime Emmy-winning actress, Jess Walton (Jill Foster Abbott) is set to release her memoir!

Kensington Publishing has revealed on their website that Walton’s book The Young and the Rest of Us is now available for pre-order while listing an April 27, 2027 release date. In addition, in June of 2027, Walton will mark her 40th anniversary with The Young and the Restless and her debut as Jill.

The official log lines for the memoir share, “Emmy Award-winning actress Jess Walton, known to millions as the iconic Jill Abbott on the #1 soap opera The Young and the Restless, shares her extraordinary journey to stardom, sobriety, true love, and self-discovery in this startingly candid, intimate, and star-studded memoir.”

Jess Walton

Photo; Kensington Books

CAKE FIGHTS AND CORPORATE INTRIGUE

The book description for The Young and the Rest of Us adds,  “In June 1987, Jess Walton walked through the artists’ entrance at CBS for her first day on The Young and the Restless,where she had just been hired to play the recast role of Jill AbbottTwo Emmy awards, four decades, and countless onscreen affairs, marriages, corporate takeovers, and cake fights later, she’s a beloved icon with an astonishing tale to tell.”

“In her refreshingly candid style, Jess shares her journey as a young actress from Toronto theaters to Los Angeles, where she found herself at the center of a Laurel Canyon circle that included the likes of Neil Young, David Geffen, Laura Nyro, and Joni Mitchell. Landing a Universal contract and a steady stream of guest starring roles, Jess embraced everything 1970s L.A. had to offer—including Hollywood parties fueled by limitless booze and drugs, and trysts with stars. She recounts with candor and gratitude the surprising path that eventually led her to sobriety, true love—and ultimately, to fictional Genoa City, Wisconsin, and the role of a lifetime.”

“Brimming with behind-the-scenes drama and celebrity cameos to delight fans, The Young and the Rest of Us is also rich in personal, relatable truths about marriage, motherhood, empty-nesting, self-discovery, and finding the courage to start over—as often as it takes. In a voice as fearless and frank as Jill’s, but with, humor and grace all her own, Jess Walton looks back on a life as unpredictable, and adventure filled as anything she has portrayed on screen.”

WHO ELSE PLAYED JILL FOSER ABBOTT?

Fans of The Young and the Restless know that Walton became the fourth actress to take on the role of Katherine Chancellor’s original nemesis Jill Foster back in 1987. The OG Jill was played by Brenda Dickson, also Deborah Adair, Bond Gideon and Melinda O. Fee played the part.

This year, Days of our Lives star Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) filled-in for several episodes for Walton who was unavailable to travel from her home in Oregon to Los Angeles where Y&R was taped. Walton is still with the long-running soap opera as Jill.

So, excited to learn of Jess Walton’s upcoming memoir, ‘The Young and the Rest of Us?’ Will it be it a must-read for you? Drop a comment below.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Heather Tom

The Bold and the Beautiful

Airdate: 7-24-2026

Popular

31
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x