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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!

By Michael Fairman

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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!

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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!

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Susan Flannery and Ian Buchanan Visit the Set of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’; Daytime Emmy Winners Reflect on Show Then and Now

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Susan Flannery and Ian Buchanan

The one and only Susan Flannery (ex-Stephanie Forrester) dropped in to see her former co-stars on The Bold and the Beautiful at their Sunset Las Palmas Studio in Hollywood, along with her good friend and another B&B co-star Ian Buchanan (ex-James Warwick) on Tuesday October 20.

It was the first time in a very long time that The four-time Daytime Emmy winning actress was reunited with Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke), Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy), executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell, Jennifer Gareis and even her TV sister, Alley Mills (Pam, B&B now Heather, GH) showed up for the day too!

Flannery played the Forrester matriarch from 1987 until 2012. It was then that after playing the part of Stephanie for 25 years that Susan made the decision to retire from acting and in one of the most heartbreaking sendoffs, passes away from lung cancer in Brooke’s arms in November of 2012. During her B&B tenure, Flannery won 3 of her 4 Daytime Emmys, the other being for her first soap role as Laura Horton on Days of our Lives back in 1975.

Susan and Kelly

Photo: Bell-Phillip TV

As for Ian Buchanan, he played Dr. Warwick, psychiatrist, from 1993 to 1999.  He returned for other runs in 2014 and 2017.  Buchanan took home his Daytime Emmy in 1997 for his work as James. Soap fans also remember, Ian as mobster Duke Lavery on General Hospital, and Dr. Greg Madden on All My Children,

Both Susan and Ian shared their thoughts on coming back to The Bold and the Beautiful, for Susan 14 years later since he exited and for Ian close to 9 years since his last appearance below.

Susan said, “It’s definitely like coming home in a way, even though it’s not the same studio. It’s really lovely to see old faces and old faces with new faces. It takes you back mentally. You start remembering what it was like back then, even things like how much your feet would ache at the end of the day from wearing six-inch heels. It was just lovely to be back and see everybody.”

Susan Flannery and cast

Photo: Bell-Phillip TV

Ian expressed, “It’s a mind trip, you know. When I was sitting looking at the big Forrester set, it was like stepping back in time, almost. It takes you back mentally, and you start remembering what it was like when you were here before.”

“It’s lovely to see all these people again, even if you don’t know everybody,” explained soap vet Buchanan. “There’s something really special about coming back and seeing the show and the people who have been part of it for so long.”

So, happy to see Susan and Ian with some of their former castmates? Do you think Stephanie and Brooke is one of the greatest frenemy stories in daytime history? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Beyond the Gates

Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?

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Kandi Burress, Tabitha Brown, Karla Mosley

As previously announced, Beyond the Gates is bringing chef, author and actress Tabitha Brown and Grammy Award-winning songwriter, singer and actress Kandi Burruss to Fairmont Crest in a special episode of the CBS daytime drama airing Thursday, October 22.

In the episode, Dani’s (Karla Mosley) best friend Pamela Curtis (Cady McClain), arranges a “Welcome to Your Life” television special for her. As it turns out, Brown will play the show’s host, Tia Allen, while Burruss takes on the role of Dani’s first modeling agent, Kalista Kilroy, who turns the celebration of her life into a bad trip down memory lane.

Dani’s parents Anita and Vernon (Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis), sister Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix), and daughters Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla) and Naomi (Arielle Prepetit) all join the show to celebrate and support her but also witness how things so south. Also appearing in the episode are Molly Figueroa as Tatum Stewart and fan-favorite Anita Williams (Tunie) impersonator Jackie Tyree!

Beyond the Gates

PhotoL JPI

THE 411 ON TIA AND KALISTA

Speaking with TV Insider, about their soapy experience in Fairmont Crest, Tabitha Brown previewed about her host with the most, “Tia is very professional, but she’s a girl’s girl. She is a protector of women and wants to tell their stories in a beautiful way, but she also wants to make sure they’re seen in a very good light.”

However, Burruss previews that Kalista arrives with a score to settle. “She’s spicy,” shared the recording artist. “I always love playing somebody that has come to start trouble. It’s always fun to play a villain of sorts, but Kalista feels like she’s been done wrong and she’s hurt by what she feels has been done to her. So Kalista is stirring up trouble, but she feels justified putting Dani on blast. Kalista is ready for some payback.”

Beyond the Gates is produced by CBS Studios, as part of the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. Created by head writer Michele Val Jean, executive producers include Val Jean, Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Tracey Thomson, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Anna Saalfeld and Lela Coffey.

Beyond the Gates is broadcast weekdays on CBS (2:00-3:00 PM, ET/1:00-2:00 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**.

So, looking forward to this special episode of Beyond the Gates when Dani is put on a blast during a blast from her past and Welcome to Your Life TV special? Share your thoughts via the comment section.

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Days Of Our Lives

‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

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Kyle Pryor

For months now, Days of our Lives has teased the character of Dominic Marino. In recent weeks, viewers learned that Marino is on the down low working with Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) apparent fiancé ‘Dante Vitali (Franco LoPresti), and that he is the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall)!

Up until now, the Peacock streaming soap opera has never revealed his face, but that all seemed to change on the Tuesday, October 2o episode of DAYS. In story, Dante met Sami’s parents for the first time, Roman (Josh Taylor) and Marlena.

He shows them a photo of Dominic, which he happened to have on his own phone and even commented he kind of looked like he could be Marlena’s son. The photo, which has quickly made it around Soap Twitter/X, revealed that British-born actor Kyle Pryor is the man in the photo and eagle-eyed viewers actually located said photo on Pryor’s Instagram.

Dominix

Photo: Peacock

Deadline revealed Pryor started taping at the end of 2025 and will first be seen in the role, on air Monday, November 2.  In addition, Days will celebrate its 61st Anniversary with two special episodes featuring Dominic’s arrival, as well the returns of Tony and Anna DiMera, played respectively by Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley, on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9.

Those in the know, are are that Pryor previously held series regular roles on Australia’s Home and Away, and the UK’s Hollyoaks and guest starred on Emmerdale. In an ironic twist, Pryor appeared in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is the same action series his apparent TV brother, Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera), once appeared in before coming to DAYS.

So excited to see Kyle Pryor take on the role of Dominic Marino as Days of our Lives sets its anniversary story to kick-off with is arrival in Salem? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And in case you missed our latest conversation with Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera) he weighs-in on how Dominic’s appearance will shake things up in Salem. You can check that out below.

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

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