Connect with us

News

65

Y&R's Eric Braeden Talks On: The Adam Reveal, His Co-Stars, The State Of Victor Newman & Political Hot Topics!

Courtesy/CBS

Courtesy/CBS

When all hell breaks loose in Genoa City, you can bet that Victor Newman is major to the action, with either half the town trying to bring him down, or get even with the mogul who has built and kept his business empire at all costs!  But, while he may fight those interlopers to the finish, one thing can be said, ‘Victor loves his family,’ even though the Newmans are one, big ole’ dysfunctional bunch.  Look no further than this week, on the number one CBS Daytime drama series.

In the mother-of-all-reveals: Gabriel Bingham is finally outed thanks to Phyllis (Gina Togoni) and Chelsea (Melissa Claire Egan), and revealed to be Victor’s believed-to-be-dead black sheep son, Adam Newman (Justin Hartley).  As the week plays out, Victor has highly-charged emotional scenes with Adam!  Not only is his son alive, but he learned Adam was half of the mastermind behind the Paragon Project with its virus unleashed with the intent on destroying Victor’s company.  Add to that, Victor has a new grandson!  And, while all still believe it is Nick’s (Joshua Morrow) son with Sage (Kelly Sullivan), from the looks of it the bio-dad is actually Adam!

Such great drama has afforded for 35-years, the opportunity for Y&R’s Eric Braeden to deliver masterful performances.  For love “the moustache” or hate him, Braeden has made the character of Victor Newman a classic, and himself an icon.  Highly intelligent with strong personal and professional viewpoints, Eric let’s you know the gospel according to him, which in turn, has provided him with great respect.

On-Air On-Soaps sat down with Eric at CBS Television City to get his thoughts on: the Adam reveal, his cast mates including: Justin Hartley and Peter Bergman (Jack), what he thinks about the current writing regime under Chuck Pratt Jr., some of Victor’s most recent machinations including: doppelganger Jack, (the Peruvian Marco), and more.  In addition, with so much conflict happening throughout the world and right here in America, Eric weighs-in on some of today’s social and political topics, as only he can.  Never to take his job for granted, or find long-term comfort in it, as he reveals, the contributions that Braeden has meant to the Y&R brand are immeasurable, and widely recognized.  So here now is the one, thee only, Eric Braeden!

When Victor realizes that Adam is alive and well, and has been living in Genoa City with a new identify and a new face as Gabriel Bingham, what is he immediately thinking?

ERIC:  Obviously, this forces Victor to re-evaluate his whole father/son relationship.  But what I need to remind the writers all of the time it is not Victor who abandoned Adam at all.  It was Hope’s decision to keep Adam on a farm and raise him alone in Kansas.  Victor tried several times, and would have been very solicitous of his son.  So Adam goes to Harvard business school, and Victor is very proud of him and offers him all kinds of high position jobs at Newman Enterprises to the chagrin of his other children.  So this notion that the writers, and the character of Adam, have had that Victor abandoned him is simply not true!  Victor wanted to have a relationship with his son.  He gave him a great job, and Adam screwed it up!  It’s as simple as it is.  He was the bad seed.  They think Victor was this dreadful father.  No, he is not; there is no evidence of that.  No proof of that at all.

Adam wants to take his father down, destroy his business, and take everything from him.  Knowing then how Victor feels about his son, this must be such emotionally damaging information for a father to find out about one of his own children!

ERIC:  It must be for families, and mothers, and fathers, who have an offspring who is just not very good!  But what upsets me greatly is that all of this is being attributed to Victor’s actions, or lack there of, and it’s not true.  I have spoken to the writers about it, to remind them of it.   Unfortunately, when we get the scripts it is a feta accompli.  This constant maligning from all the characters of the show that Victor is the worst; is true to a certain degree.  However, they are righteous hypocrites!  Look what they have all done: from Billy (Burgess Jenkins) to Jack (Peter Bergman) … including Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott), who has a laundry list of things she has done up her sleeve! (Laughs) True!  In other words, I have nothing against Victor fighting dirty and hard when it comes to business and defending his family, but to unload this pejorative of stuff said by other characters on to that character is going too far.  Then, whatever Victor does doesn’t become credible anymore.  In his mind, and in my mind, a lot of his actions are justified.  There was always a fine balance that Bill Bell (the late co-creator and head writer, Y&R) maintained.  I went to Bill Bell after the first year I was here, and said I am leaving the show.  He said, “Why?”  I said, “I can’t play just these bad guys.  I have done it for years, and I can’t do it anymore.”  So he came up with this brilliant storyline of explaining why Victor was who he was when he wrote about the orphanage and Victor’s childhood.  The moment I did that key scene in the story, and I have told you this before, I went to Bill and said, “Now I’m staying.”   I knew then I could play different registers of the character.

How did you then feel about the doppelganger Jack/Marco (Peter Bergman) storyline then?  Was it too heinous of an act to perpetrate, even for the great Victor Newman?

ERIC:  But, it played!  I just wish they would have written that Victor owns this company of advanced genetic studies in Peru, and that a bunch of Peruvian Ninjas of high intelligence created this doppelganger, OK?  (Laughs) This Marco guy came from Peru and spoke with no accent.  Whatever the case, Victor got away with the whole thing … for now.

This week viewers have been watching the fallout of the entire town finding out Adam is alive, and his duplicity.  It has provided a great opportunity to showcase the talents of the cast.  The scene at the bar at the GCAC, when Victor and Adam talk for the first time as father and son, was riveting.  What did you think about those scenes, and the work of the cast in this pivotal week of air shows?

Courtesy/CBS

ERIC:  I remember taping the reveal.  Victor is a loner, and he makes decisions on his own.  He doesn’t need anyone’s f***ing input!  Therein lays the nature of Victor Newman, and that hold’s true in those scenes with Adam.  Look, I love working with all the actors.  I think the whole cast is wonderful.  I think we have some very good actors on the show.  I really must say I admire the crew.  The amount of scenes we do, you ask anyone in nighttime they will say to me, “That’s not true. That cannot happen.”  I say to them, “Come and watch!  Nighttime is a joke to what we do … film is a joke compared to what we do.  Try to do scenes that we do!  Whether it be: Peter Bergman, Melody, Joshua Morrow, Justin Hartley, Kristoff St. John (Neil), I mean all of them!  They do things in one take!  What I fought against since the beginning on this show is the self-deprecatory attitude towards what we do.  I said, “I will not tolerate it.  What we do is absolutely honorable, and I have done all forms of acting: nighttime, Broadway, film, theatre, etc.  This is the hardest medium in the world.  Nothing is harder than this. You try to be a good actor, given reams of dialog, and at many times given to you at the last minute, no less.  It’s extraordinary.

Having been on the Y&R and experiencing the ups and downs of playing a character, are you enjoying what Victor is up to right now?

ERIC:  I love working with my fellow actors, and I love doing what we are doing, with a few adjustments here and there.  Victor is not outguessed by anyone.  He is the guy that finds Ian Ward, played by Ray Wise, who I love working with, by the way.  He should have gotten Ian’s balls, not in a scene with Phyllis (Gina Tognoni).  Give me a break!

Victor and Jack are the two titans of Y&R, and now Victor knows Jack knew Adam was alive for months and posing as Gabriel Bingham, and never told him.  I would say … payback is in Jack’s future?

ERIC:  I hope they fulfill that natural desire, given the history of these two guys, because Victor is going to get even now.  We must pay attention to emotional continuity not to be superseded by events.  There is an emotional need now that has been created for the public for years: ‘If Jack does something to Victor, then Victor is going to get even, and that is followed by an attempt on the other side.’

Where do you see Victor’s relationship with Adam going from this point forward?

ERIC:  The relationship with Adam is a very complex and difficult one.  It’s going to be more complex, obviously.  There was a moment (and not enough of a moment, I think) where Victor has an enormous physcholigcal shift in him.  This is his son!  He knows now this is his son.  He does not want to dismiss that.  It’s an enormous struggle for him, and for me, because I know I was solicitous of that character throughout his life.  Hence, it is doubly difficult to justify.  I don’t remember the seminal moment in Victor’s life where he says he will now accept Adam.  I don’t think it was long enough and drawn out enough.  It’s this emotional fabric that must not be ignored, and paid attention to.  I don’t know what will happen in the future.  I certainly would not want to be in the writer’s shoes, because I have enormous respect for writers.  I think writing is the most difficult job in our business.  It’s the least recognized, the least acknowledged, and arguably the most difficult job in our business.  Without being on a piece of paper, you have s**t.  I respect the writers on soaps enormously, and to keep a clear line when writing for 40 characters, that’s hard.  I honestly wouldn’t want to do it.

What have you thought about the performances of Justin Hartley?

ERIC:  Justin Hartley is a wonderful actor.  He is a joy to work with, and has a great sense of humor.  He is very bright, and very good!

And, what are your thoughts on the state of Y&R under head writer Chuck Pratt Jr.’s storyline?  For most weeks through 2015, Y&R’s ratings have been up from last year.

ERIC:  I was not surprised the ratings have gone up.  I have watched the show the last 3 to 4 months, much more than I used to.  I must say I sit there and say, “Damn. Where did that come from?  I am surprised!  I am curious to know what will happen next.”  Really, and I have done this for 35 years!   I find myself sitting at home and watching Y&R going, “Whoa!”  What is going to happen here?”  Where I have trouble sometimes is if it’s written too one-sided in one direction.  Victor is just the dark knight and the evil guy …  well, it’s more complex then that.

When malicious intent incidences occur, such as Ian and Adam unleashing the Paragon Project virus to destroy Victor’s company, does it affect him deeply?  Or, does Victor know he can never really be brought to his knees, no matter how hard people may try?

ERIC:  He is affected by it, but Victor grew up in a very tough environment.  He has been a loner since he was 7-years-old when he was taken to that orphanage, period.  He fights alone, he doesn’t trust anyone, and he doesn’t even fully trust his family!  But that is where that comes from.  I bring it up sometimes in scenes, because his mistrust comes from that.  The childhood years are the most important years of our lives.  Patterns are set.

I would like to get your thoughts on some of some more of the actors in the Newman clan:  First, I have to say, I love the scenes between Victor and Victoria, as played by Amelia Heinle.  There is a realness to them, where you believe that these two could be father/daughter.  You have had the good fortune to work with two Daytime Emmy winners in this role: first, Heather Tom (now Katie, B&B), and then Amelia. 

ERIC:   I adore Amelia!  She is the sweetest person to work with, and a wonderful actress.  Heather Tom, I so admired and so cherished.  I have been very lucky to have been able to know and work with both of those actresses.  Heather is arguably one of the brightest human beings I have ever met.  She has an enormous intellect, as you know, and a very high IQ.  When she left the show, I was very upset.  But I must say, Amelia has been such a joy to work with, and so good at what she does.  I also think Melissa Ordway, who plays Abby, is damn good!  She really is.  My, God!  Playing the ding-a-ling is one of the hardest things to play. (Laughs)  But honestly, she does it so well!  Melissa is also a joy to work with.

And then there is your on-screen other son, Joshua Morrow (Nick)!

ERIC: I think Joshua could have been a big nighttime television star for along time.  And, I have not changed my mind about that.

And of course, the incomparable Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki)!  Now, exactly where are Victor and Nikki at in their relationship?  Sometimes it’s hard to follow. (Laughs) They seem to be together now?

ERIC:  There are not enough scenes right now between the two of us since Victor and Nikki are back together again.  I do understand the writers need to write scenes with conflict, but sometimes I wish they would write some scenes without conflict.  Just seeing Victor and Nikki together, without her having to constantly complain about him being domineering.  Let’s show them in a loving situation, for once.  There does not always have to be an ulterior motive.  I do love working with Mel, as you know.  I just wish they would have some scenes where the two of them are sweeter to each other, and not constantly critical of each other.

Earlier this year, you spoke at Peter Bergman’s 25th anniversary with Y&R during the on set celebration.  I thought that speech you gave was terrific.  What can you share about what Peter also means to this brand?

ERIC:  Peter is indispensable.  I love working with him.  He is always right there, and always concentrating on what we have to do, and always present.  It’s a great on-screen conflict.  I have a different approach to it than he does, but it works.  We are both very important to this show.

So do you think the … you-know-what  …  is going to continue to hit the fan, since the truth about Adam has come out?

ERIC:  I hope so!  What people in the audience like as well is the continuation of the emotional conflicts that they have been used to for years.  It’s important to not forget that.

Courtesy/CBS

You have shared your views on hot social and political topics of our time.  Often on Twitter, you tweet your commentary on the news of the day.  So, I want to get your take on a few issues.  Just the other week, we saw another mass shooting in a community college in Oregon, and the debate for gun control continues.  There was recently a statistic showing how many deaths were caused in the US via guns and mass shootings that was horrific in body count!

ERIC:  To me, it’s sick!  To me it’s a gross misinterpretation of the second amendment of the constitution.  It was meant to arm the militia against a possible re-envasion by the Brits, period.  It is obscene to see that much power on the part of one lobby.  What the hell do you and I need an AK-47 for?  What’s the matter?  I thought this was country made out of people with guts:  Football players, cowboys, etc.  What is this, “Make my day” behind a f***ing gun?  Congress, most of them are whores, and they are subject to the whims of lobbyists.  NRA is one of the strongest lobbies.  To vote against even the slightest restrictions, such as background checks, etc … this defies all logic!  And excuse me, what are Americans afraid of?   What are Americans so paranoid about that they all need guns?  This notion that after that movie theatre shooting in Louisiana, this joke of a Governor from Louisiana, Bobby Jindal comes out and says, “Well, we should allow people to arm themselves when we go to theatres.”  Are you serious?  This is insanity and it needs to be stopped.  But sadly, it won’t be stopped.

Syrian refugees and immigrants are making their way to your home country of Germany.  What do you think of the situation there?  In fact, there was one young Syrian teenager who dreamed of making it to Germany, and did, who learned to speak English by watching Days of our Lives!

ERIC:  You mean she did not learn to speak English from The Young and the Restless? (Laughs)  We probably speak different English here in Genoa City! (Laughs)  I think it’s a really good thing, but where I really think you need the immigration is in Eastern Europe, because they are successively losing population.  They are breeding less and less children there: meaning there is no one to sustain the social and medical system, for example, that still exists in Western Europe.  Germany is on the same path of declining birthrates, so we need the immigrants if you want to look at it from a practical point of view.  Is it difficult?  Of course it’s difficult.  You’re bringing in a totally different culture.  It will be interesting to watch.  Mainstream Germany is welcoming them.  I don’t think any country has been more aware of the terrible nature of what happened in that 12-year period in Germany, than Germany.  No country in the world has paid the kind of reparation that Germany has paid.  America is still debating reparation for 250 years of slavery.  Still debating it!

Pope Francis was just here in the United States.   What do you think of his stance on the issues that plague the church?

ERIC:  What the Pope represents, and I am encouraged by it, is the essence of Christianity as I learned it, (I grew up as a protestant) it was the notion of forgiveness and the notion of universal love, and universal acceptance. That part of Christianity I have always embraced, and the notion of embracing all human beings regardless of creed, color, inclination  … whatever it is.  That the Catholic Church is still very far behind in some of those areas is sad.  If the Pope now were to stop this celibacy issue, and have the priests marry and live normal lives, you would have them join the Catholic Church in droves.  One thing you have to say about the Catholics, their ritual is fantastic.  I mean, Whoa!  Pomp and Circumstance!  It’s incredible and fantastic.  There’s nothing like it.  We people need it.  The Pope’s acceptance of gay marriage, for instance: he is still hanging on to old-fashioned notions of it.  Yes, he is more progressive than the other Popes, but he needs to be much more, and then the church would be overwhelmed with people who would want to join.

CNN recently aired the republican debate featuring over ten candidates, including Donald Trump.  The debate went on for hours, yet it was hard to look away from it … like a bad train wreck! (Laughs)  What were your impressions of it?

ERIC:   You mean, the comedy hour?   One thing I have to say about Donald Trump (laughs) I find myself sitting there going, “What is he going to say now?”  He is so outrageous that you just sit there in disbelief!  And of course, the other candidates are all slickly brought up in the political world, and they know how to be hypocritical and full of s**t.  It’s a sad state of affairs, to be frank with you.  What I loathe, and resent, are these debates where nothing is really being debated.  And, the anchors are the worst!  All CNN is interested in is ratings, and beating FOX News. Why did someone not say why Megyn Kelly asked Trump very hostile questions?  Do you know why that is?  Rupert Murdoch does not want Trump … he wants Jeb Bush!  So hence, he said to Megyn Kelly, “You bring him down!”  They want to diminish him immediately.  Therefore, I kind of like Trump, because he gave him the finger like, “Oh, really?  I will show you!” (Laughs)

In closing, you have some of the most loyal, die-hard fans.  Whether they love to love, or love to hate Victor Newman, for 35 years you have brought such enjoyment and must-see performances to your work.   These viewers have so invested in you and your character.  What has this meant to you, and the responsibility that comes with it?

ERIC:  In the end, the reason I am being interviewed is because of the fans, and that is the only reason.  The reason we are here is because of the fans.  The reason the show is so high in the ratings is because of the fans.  That’s the reality.  We forget it too often.  I don’t, but others forget too often.  Twitter is a wonderful way to stay in touch with them.  I deeply appreciate it, because when you think of it logically, or emotionally, where would we be?  Without ratings where would we be?  We wouldn’t be here.  Yet you have to be your own man, and be independent, and say what you have to say.  So, I know a couple of remarks I may have said today in this interview may upset some people, but so be it.  They respect me as well in that I say what I want to say.   But, I am deeply, deeply grateful to the fans, because it has provided me with a living.  So when you do nighttime, or films, you kind of become more cynical, because you are more insulated as an actor.  When you do daytime and you go out and do public appearances you suddenly realize, “Whoa! What I do has an impact!”  To be very honest with you, I was so disenchanted with the 60’s with this business that I said, “This is too intellectually boring to me.”  And then by doing Y&R, I realized that I do something far more important then discuss social issues, or political issues portrayed in films.  I entertain people.  This medium has taught me more than any other medium, and I had to learn that.  I learned from Bill Bell it is more important to entertain people, who look forward to seeing your show every day.   It has given me a whole set of responsibilities as an actor to be: truthful, hard working, and to make the scene work.  I just don’t blow by a scene.  I may pretend to sometimes, because we have a lot of fun on the set, but when it comes down to it, ‘boom’ I’m there. I’m prepared.

In all seriousness, it’s got to be cool to play Victor Newman!  You’re clearly not ready to retire.

ERIC:  It is cool to be Victor.  Yes, that it is true.  However, in my dressing room, I have no pictures, because I have been here for 35 years and I still don’t trust it.  I have never trusted it, never have, never will!  I have seen too many people come and go over the years, including when I was working in nighttime.  You see big stars sometimes fade way and never be heard of again.  So, I never have the feeling that I am resting on my laurels.  Each scene to me is a new scene.  I essentially don’t trust that I’m here, or will be here for much longer.  But it’s now 35 years later!  I do not want to retire. And do what?  Play Golf?  Ping Pong is much more interesting than golf, anyway! (Laughs)

So, what have you thought about the Adam reveal and Eric’s performances?  Do you think Victor wants to find common ground with Adam, after he makes him pay for his crimes?  Do you agree with Eric’s comments on how the other characters often view the powerful Victor Newman?  What did you think of his thoughts on his co-stars and the success of the brand that is Y&R? Do you agree with the view’s shared on the hot political topics currently being discussed in this country and abroad?  Share your sentiments in the comment section below!

Leave a comment | 65 Comments

65 Comments
oldest
newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Love him or love to hate him, Eric Braeden is the glue that hold Y&R together. The show would go on of course if it ever lost him, but the effect on the soap would be the same, if not worse than the loss of Jeanne Cooper. Long may Victor Newman reign!

YES! I totally agree!

The walls of Y&R would crumbles without Victor..
He, Eric plays tyrant with class !!

Crumble without Victor. HA ha ha. What the hell are the writer’s there for. They just let Eric tell them what to do. Billy tanked his own case. He blamed himself after shooting Adam.

I agree with Eric (Victor Newman) especially concerning scenes with him and Nikki! They should be able to have more loving scenes together!!! The writers SHOULD NOT MAKE VICTOR THE BAD GUY ALL THE TIME!!! Some of these recent story lines for VICTOR HAVE BEEN BENEATH HIS CHARACTER THAT HAS BEEN BUILT UP ALL THESE YEARS!!!! When Victor does something he has a Good Reason for doing it!!!! They need to Let Victor Be A Nice Guy Again!!!!!!! Love watching Eric as Victor Newman and have followed since he started!!! SO WRITERS KNOCK OFF BEATING UP ON VICTOR NEWMAN!!!!! OH, and while we’re at it – Adam is the One that Messed Things Up Between Him and His Father NOT VICTOR SO GET IT STRAIGHT!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR THE RANT!!!!

I agree Mary – well said!!! I also agree with Eric that there should be more scenes between Nikki and Victor with less conflict.

Love this interview. It wasn’t all the writers are great. It was honest. I do wish he had been asked about Jeanne Cooper though. He has such wonderful things to say about her. I used to love the scenes between the two of them. He is always so complimentary of his co workers. He is very gracious on Twitter. I just wish fans would realize that outside of Y&R he is a real person. People can be mean about a character.

As a political junkie, I agree completely with his views. Especially on gun control. He is a smart man, that I would love to sit down and have a conversation with.

Yes Rose! Eric Tweeted a “Bah ha ha ha!” to one of my remarks so he will always a have a special place in my heart.
Yesterday, Eric proved to his nay sayers that he really is an excellent actor.
The scene with his grandson Christian was poignant and sad. Victor was marveling at how tiny the baby was and how enormous all the life sustaining equipment was in comparison and then he softy cried. Well done. As much as I love to hear Victor roar, the aforementioned scene packed a much more powerful emotional whallop.

Absolutely! I adore Eric. He is the core of the show I think!

I would like to start a petition to get Victor Newman put in jail for some time. It isn’t fair to keep seeing someone get away with so much and not pay any type of price. Next time there will be anything illegal is with Neil going to jail for Hillary kidnapping. They will send mail to jail but victor gets to stay out and blackmail and I mean it was just been too much stuff that’s going on with Victor is getting away with it and not paying any type of price not losing family members nothing I know it’s a soap opera but can we get a little bit realistic with this he’s blackmailing his own son how many times you going to keep doing stuff like that and not pay a price Victor everytime he goes down he is he’s going down for two days or something and then its back to being on top of the world what kind of if Yo goes to jail for anything with Hillary or one black person go to jail for any of this mess with Hillary is Victor get to stay out I’m a I want to petition to get all together Young and the Restless boycott it because it makes no sense!

aha!
Eric is the boss !
He tells the writers how to write, he tells the writers and they need to jump or Eric walks..
He rules!
No other soap has an actor gotten away with telling the writers they are not writing right and it needs to this or that way..
Now that is ‘klout !!

I think the Y&R executives fear losing Eric and let him have things his way, dunno but seems…………………………

These are new writers and needed help with the history of the characters, who better to ASSIST them than Victor. Love him.

oops to be– how to write for him/Victor..

give me a break ,the only reason victor didn’t fight to see adam ,and abandoned him ,was unlike nikki and Ashley ,he was afraid of HOPE ,SHE MAY HAVE BEEN BLIND ,BUT SHE COULD SEE THROUGH THIS EVIL MAN ,HOPE HAD HIS NUMBER ,AND VICTOR KNOWS THIS,ADAM ONLY BLEW IT B/C HIS JEALOUS SIBLING COULD NEVER TREAT HIM LIKE FAMILY ,NO WONDER ADAM HATES THEM ,THEY DESERVE THE PARAGON PROJECT,

Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, what did you think of the show, er, I mean interview?

I thought the interview was straightforward and very ‘Eric-like’. I am pretty familiar with his style and the way he thinks. He does not hold back and whatever comes out of his mouth is pretty much sacrosanct and to the point. I’ve read other interviews of his, and one thing is certain. He does not beat around the bush.
I am not Mrs. Lincoln/MEG, but I wanted to give you my opinion, anyway…LOL.

I totally agree the family hated Adam from day one, the guy never stood a chance. No matter what he does it’s never good enough for the family (for instance, when Adam took the bullet for Victor)

What a great interview, Mr Fairman. It was long but I read every word with interest. Eric Braeden is a highly intelligent man and he is very well spoken as is evidenced here.
I love him as Victor Newman–think he’s a very darkly complex man who somehow manages to explain all his dastardly deeds as just another case of doing what he has to do to keep his family safe and well. He’s not a liar, Victor really seems to believe this which underscores Eric’s acting prowess.
He is one of those actors who is greatly underrated because he is so good he makes it look easy. However, if one is paying attention one will notice the nuance, the vocal inflections, mannerisms which suggest what Victor is feeling.
And when he yells? Well, it’s music to my ears. There should be a rule that Victor must scream and yell on every episode. It cracks me up when he yells and wish I had a Victor Newman ring tone.

hey Harry..
The only man of Y&R that I would date would be Victor..
Eric is a bit old for me, but eh age is just a number ..

And yes!! Michael Fairman is the Master of soap news reporting keeping us informed and delivering all the goodies!! .. His interviews are unsurpassed.

((didja notice he graciously puts up with me, my ummmm enthusiasm ? ))

I agree Harry. The article was well-done. It gave a great insight into Eric. After reading this responses, I have even more respect for him.
He is a talented actor, with some great common sense( in my eyes), and political opinions I completely agree with. He is a very intelligent man, who doesn’t take for granted his status on the show. May Victor Newman live on for many years to come. And thank you Eric, for creating such a great character!

He is a very intelligent man tho I do disagree with Mr. Braeden on his interpretation of the 2nd Amendment and his view on guns.

I just love Victor, and EB is an outstanding actor. He seems like such a nice guy and I saw a picture of his neighborhood, he doesn’t live on a street full of mansions and that’s a good thing.
I wish they would bring up that St Hope was the one who kept him from Adam more often, and since she was married to Cliff, he respected her wishes. Yes, Nick and Victoria were crappy to Adam, but he arrived with a chip on his shoulder and they reacted.
JH btw, is AWESOME!
The only thing I disagree with EB on is his stance on guns, he grew up in Germany, and he has to know that if Hitler hadn’t taken the guns away, the Jews might have had a fighting chance, and don’t ever say it couldn’t happen here. The way things are going, I put nothing past anyone or anything.

I love Victor, and think he is essential to the Y&R but just wish they would make him a little softer sometimes, especially with Adam. I know Victor tried really hard with Adam when he first came to town and Adam ruined it all. I lost a son in my life and if somehow he was returned to me, well my joy would be just so wonderful and great, I would thank God for such a wonderful GIFT. Victor thought his son was dead but he has returned to him, I think he should be thanking God for such a wonderful gift and embrace Adam with love and joy and awe. It might take him a little while but I think that is how it should go. I think Victor could play that scene so well, telling Adam he loves him, and thanking God Almighty for giving him back to him. Love you Victor keep up the good work.

PS. It is on my bucket list to be screamed at by Mr. Victor Newman.
How do I win a guest cameo on Y&R? I could play the copy machine technician at Newman Enterprise and I could totally screw up the copy machine only to have Mr. Victor Newman scream at me.

Hahahahahaha Harry, take me with you!!! Just once I want to be told to “get the hell out of hea!” Haha

Or to be called a punk!

Billy Boy, meet Harry Boy!

Victor is the Young & Restless, and he is an awesome actor, simply the best!

Great article. Watched the show for years and have been concerned about the direction. Eric made me feel at ease with this interview

Bill Bell’s three most interesting characters: Victor Newman, Jill Foster Abbott and Sheila Carter.

Jack, Victor and Katherine.

Hi TImmm

Just wanted to know how long you’ve been watching Y and R. And, I agree with your observation about the original Adam– he would have easily carried on the Newman multi-dimensional characterization. We’ll see how far the new guy playing Adam goes.

I was curious if you watched the 70s years when the show was half-hour… I just loved the diversity of the 4 Brookes daughters of Stuart and Jennifer.

Sorry– but the 3 most interesting were Kay Chancellor, Lori Brookes and Victor Newman. Sorry, but just had to give a different perspective. I actually think this would be a great conversation starter on these messages, Beacon. Ron

The Mt. Rushmore” of Y&R! As I said Jack, Victor and Katherine. My fourth would be Michael Muhney as Adam BECAUSE, if he would have stayed on the show he had the talent to step into Eric Braeden’s shoes and become legendary!

Hey Ron, I didnt watch it in the seventies. I came to love it in the eighties. Its like picking the greatest quarterbacks of all time in the NFL. You have to include ALL the years and I wouldnt be able to give an honest list because I dont go back that far! I am aware of the Fosters and how deep Jill and Katherine’s hate/love relationship goes back. Not familiar with Lori but I will google her. I wish the “Soap Opera Network” would have stayed on and played all these old episodes. I would imagine there would be great interest. I know Jim [Not he Beaver!] would love to watch old episodes of “Dark Shadows!”

TImmm–

Those 70s episodes were groundbreaking! Bill Bell brought social issues to tv in a huge way. Aside from the Fosters, the Brookes were the rich GC family, run by newspaper tycoon Stuart. He had 4 daughters and one got involved with Snapper Foster, thus linking the two families together: the haves and have-nots. Of the 4 daughters, the biggest storyline focused on the eldest sisters’ rivalry for everything and everyone, all brought on by Lori Brookes (the novelist) against her “pure and lovely” sister, Leslie. Bell wrote great stuff for them. Probably the best storyline was Lori wrongly accused of killing a woman (who wanted her son to marry Leslie, not Lori) so the woman framed Lori by making her own suicide look like Lori murdered her. Bell would revisit this story in the 80s with young Paul Williams and Cassandra Rawlins, and it was done with even more twists and turns this time around. These are the great stories the current staff seems incapable of developing and sustaining in believable ways: the Valentines Murders was a mess that no one bought from the first episodes to their pathetic, unsatisfying (and thankfully) conclusion. I miss Bill Bell.

I love watching the show, but I still do not believe that Adam hit Delia. He saw the dog and pulled over beside the road and hit the bushes. that is where he broke his headlight. Remember Delia lost her hat in the middle of the road, the scarf was on the hat. The scarf got caught under Adams car because he ran over the hat. Adam would have felt something if he had hit Delia. Please Victor, you need to find out who hit Delia and give Adam a break. The reason he is out of control is because of his guilt for thinking that he hit Delia.

Victor may not have abandoned Adam as a child, but he sure kicked him to the curb quick enough when Adam first came to GC. Adam took the reigns of Newman when Victor was presumed dead. Adam was only doing what he thought Victor would want– yes, he had a big ego about it and wasn’t very nice to his so called siblings. But when Victor returned and heard what Adam did, he disowned him—it was that move, not forgiving Adam, not being proud of him for running Newman and not being willing to listen to Adam’s side of the story, that– set all this in motion.

If was because he was so hurt by that move that Adam joined forces with Jack to frame Victor for murder. If was that action than landed Adam in jail. It was in jail Adam decided to fake blindness, which lead him being released in Victor’s home. It was because Adam blamed Victor for his stint in jail, he decided to gas light Ashley, which lead to the her miscarriage, which lead to his trying to cover it up by taking Sharon’s baby– Every evil thing Adam has ever done can be trace back to the initial rejection of Victor- so EB can claim ole Victor is just a misunderstood saint in disguise, but the truth is Victor has no empathy for anyone, he cannot understand how his actions hurts those he loves– at least Adam has some conscience and admit to his mistakes; Victor never has.

But ITA with EB that writers should write more shades of grey in scripts. I know it is easier and faster just to make characters into types, but characters are more interesting if they are layered. And yes, it would be nice to see loving moments between Nikki and Victor.

And it is true those working is soaps, in front of the camera and behind don’t get the respect they should— and this fan truly appreciates the effort they do, to entertain me all these years.

I agree 100% with everything you said Mary. I remember back when Nikki found Victor’s mother and that man had me in tears every day. To say they made him tough because he grew up in an orphanage is terrible. A lot of kid’s grow up in an orphanage / on the street and worse and are not that mean all the time. He needs to embrace his son and give those other three spoiled brat’s a good kick in the pants & they need to accept Adam. They never gave him a chance but they sure gave Dylan a chance. That is so unfair. I hope Sage leaves Nick for the way he treated her and she goes with Adam & it’s his baby.

One more thing Mary. Do you remember the beautiful Christmas’s at the ranch when Victor would arrange the sleigh ride and the Christmas decor. in the house with the tree in the living room? I don’t like his new place at all. I use to love to see who decorated it best . It was always between “The Abbott’s, Newman’s and Catherine Chancellor’s place.

I liked the interview. Find Victor to be Y&R’s version of Sonny. They both say they will do anything to “protect their families” and their companies/businesses. They just have different ways of doing it…Victor with head games, Sonny with guns. That’s why I find Victor far more interesting, and scary…harder to see him coming if you get on his wrong side. Just wish he and Sonny would get caught sometimes and have to deal with the consequences. And I think he and Adam will find some sort of relationship, but never truly trust each other. They just can’t change their stripes. And everyone on a soap gets to be a hypocrite once in a while or else there would be no drama.

As far as Eric’s thoughts on hot topics, I’ll leave that to Eric. We can have enough spirited “discussions” on MF that I at least want to keep It a hot-topics-free-zone.

Love your post, Rose. Love the analogy between Sonny and Victor….descriptive to the letter.

Yeah but at least Adam has the guts to challenge Victor. Dante, Michael and Morgan cower at Sonny’s feet!

I’s just too bad Adam’s tactics aren’t that far removed from Victor’s. Win or lose he’s still all screwed up. Am really disappointed with Dante, Michael and Morgan. You can love your dad no matter what he’s done, but you don’t need to save his “business” interests t,o prove it.

ihave been watching the young and restless for 42 yrs since my son was born..When he had his nap i watched the show for relaxation..Love it Love Victor he is very good actor and very handsome man.I too agree they shouldnt make Victor the villian all the timeI cried when i saw the scene where Victor was talking to his newest grandson Christian it was very well done. i hope some happiness on this show soon.. love the soap opera i am dedicated Canadian viewer from Vancouver B.c Canada

Ah, Shirley, I loved reading this comment.

I’m from Oregon and my hubby and in laws are from Roseburg. In the Portland area gun control is popular. In Roseburg (three hours away) everyone is furious at the president for using this shooting as an example for gun control because they had made it so that the security guard wasn’t allowed to be armed. In Portland everyone wants to kiss Obama’s butt, but in Roseburg they don’t even want him to show his face there. Who knew three hours could make such a difference? That being said, I’d rather not know my soap idols views on politics. If I wanted to focus on politics, I’d be reading the news. My soaps are my escape. Maybe that’s shallow, but that’s my opinion.

I adore the character of Victor, AND the man playing him. I watch Y&R daily, I’ve seen the movies he has made, and I watch reruns of “Rat Patrol.” (I’m Irish, but I wish Captain Dietrich would triumph ONCE in awhile!) The people that write on facebook that Victor should die, go to jail, or retire just don’t get it. Victor IS the show, and without Eric there would BE no Y&R! Here’s to Victor Newman (and his protrayer, Eric Braeden: Long may they reign in Genoa City!

I’ve wondered about Adam claiming Victor abandoned him as a child because I remember Victor trying to have a relationship with Adam and Hope fearing Victor coming around would confuse Adam especially once she married Cliff Wilson.

I am so happy that Eric verified what I have been saying for a long time and I was ignored. Hope is the one who kept Victor out of Adam’s. Life. Victor never abandoned him. I think Eric B. is such a great guy and a wonderful actor. I remember when he was in a show called “Rat Patrol “. YR would not be worth watching without the Victor Newman character. Thanks for the years of pure delight and and great acting. I hope there will be many more.

I like stories I can understand. I am so confused by this Paragon Project virus–what is does, how it does…that it’s hard to invest. I don’t know what it means that Newman lost a shipping company. It’s too confusing and there’s just too much going on that it is hard to follow. It’s like the writers don’t totally know what’s going on either.

Eric Braeden’s character, Victor, is my favorite on the show, and my favorite acting was before the death of Delia’s character, when Victor and Adam often bantered back and forth. Sometimes serious and sometimes a bit humorous, they seemed like a real father and son. Both had the good looks and same style of focused acting, which was even better than I realized then, given the off-set tension later disclosed.
E.B.’s suggestion for the explanation of his sometimes “over the top” behavior which led to the orphanage background, was excellent and definitely needed, as are the periodic script reminders. Perhaps he should be a consultant for Y&R also.
Thanks for a great interview!

Its really something how Victor and Eric’s personalities mix well. I think Eric wouldnt be as ruthless BUT he doesnt take any crap and is very opinionated. I love this guy. He put Y&R on the map and is a big reason why it has been #1 for so many years. He and Jeanne laid the ground work and the show is on stable ground. One day Eric will die and the show will go on BUT there will never be a more memorable character than Victor Christian Newman! Oh, and if you dont believe me, ask him!

Love your post; both truth and humor!

Thank you Rita.

Love your post too – Timmm!

I appreciate that.

It must be so cool to play Victor Newman. You do whatever the hell you want, consequences be damned! Because there are no consequences.

I love Y&R. It’s currently my favorite soap. But I’d just like to see Victor pay for his multitude of offenses just once.

Thanks for another great interview!

I have a difficult time with the Newmans and how the writers treat the family. Too many marriage sand re-marriages, too far beyond redemption fro their wrongs and misdeeds, too many repetitive plots. The destruction of character in Sharon, lack of continuity in the character of Nikki. I know it is a soap, and I am grateful for a solid core family. I just wish there could be a dawning on someone and we can see an evolution or growth.

wish michael askd about vic and ash s relationship. its been on the rocks lately, but i always felt vic and ash had a soft spot for eachother in the midst of the never ending newman vs jabot feud. would be nice for the writers to respect vic and ash s history!

Love y and r. Would not miss it. If missed on tv, I view it on my iPad. Eric Braeden is backbone of
The show. hIs acting borders on Shakespearean. Victor and Adam will come together, and it
Will be beautiful.

I’m disappointed that the question of Victor allowing Phyllis to be raped repeatedly was not asked . I know that the interviews are meant to be amicable but I think that asking Mr.Braeden why Victor always wins is a reasonable question that many viewers would love to know the answer to.

Hi Eric, I am a long time fan. I appreciated your comments regarding gun control and your open attitude toward immigrants! I live in Canada and it is hard to understand why some americans don’t see the corrolation between having guns and the danger that puts them in. I am happy to hear you are a sensible man as well as a good actor! Lol I agree you and Nikki need more loving scenes. The show has to balance periods of good times with down times. Both you and Melody know how to create a romantic scene that makes us swoon. Lol I love this interview and I loved to hear how you feel positive about your co workers!

I am a long time fan of the Y&R .I have enjoyed many story lines over the years ,some not as much as others.I remember when Eric Braeden started on the show.I truly admire his ability and respect his views and his integrity and morality. I am a proud Canadian and I abhor the way society is heading.Arming everyone with guns is NOT a right no matter how Americans try to spin it.People are putting themselves above the law and more importantly above God.There will be serious repercussions for this ignorant mentality. I applaud Mr Braeden for taking an unpopular American stance.I am fearful of the future of society. I grew up in a safe Canada but that is no longer the case due to the escalation of illegal guns.We do not have the right to bear arms here and I am glad of that and hope that it will remain that way but there are still the dangers of illegal weapons.The “cowboy mentality” has to stop.Never stop being true to yourself Mr Braeden. you are the voice of reason.

News

Robin Strasser Meets Kristen Alderson’s Baby Kiera in a One Life to Live Reunion

For years, Robin Strasser (ex-Dorian) and Kristen Alderson (ex-Starr) have been the best of friends and the best of co-stars. On One Life to Live, Kristen was only six-years-old when she began her journey as Todd and Blair’s daughter and met the iconic Strasser.

Now in 2024, Kristen is a new mom to her baby girl, Kiera. Strasser, who lives in New York, along with her best friend, John, traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, just a few days ago to visit the Alderson family and spend the day with Kiera.

Taking to her Instagram a very happy Kristen shared, “Look at who came to visit today! Robin & her bestie John! Robin and I got all misty eyed when she met Kiera today!”

Photo: JPI

In a very touching part of her post, Alderson expressed, “Robin is such a special person in my life, it means so much to me that we’re as close as we are. She’s just the best❤️ A great day of laughs & a great brunch spread😍”

Robin added, “I’ve been smiling since I met her. I’m a big softie for babies, but what a doll Kiera is!” The Daytime Emmy-winning star, also shared, “I’m so grateful for my ongoing friendship with Kris and Kathy. Amazing women and loyal friends!”

What do you think about Kristen and Robin’s enduring friendship and recalling their time on One Life to Live? Comment below.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

Nancy Lee Grahn’s Star-Studded ALS Fundraiser Reveals “I’ll Be There” Video Featuring Soap Opera Notables

Talk about your impressive line-up! It’s a soap fans dream and for a great cause. General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) is prepping her one-night only ALS fundraiser which will feature many of her friends and co-stars.

The benefit is set for May 4th in Glendale, California. Slated to participate are Genie Francis, Jane Elliot, Peter Bergman, Maurice Benard, Eileen Davidson, Thorsten Kaye, Michelle Stafford, Stephen Nichols, Rena Sofer, Jason Thompson, Kelly Monaco, Melissa Claire Egan, Maura West, Kristina Wagner, Gregory Harrison, Trevor St. John, Kate Mansi, Kirsten Storms, Cynthia Watros, and many others.

On Wednesday, Grahn took to her social media and released an “I’ll be there” video shout-out featuring, Monaco, Elliot, Bergman, Bernard, West, Harrison, St. John and more. In a touching and important moment in the new video, Michelle Strogny, who is battling ALS, is featured.

Photo: ABC

Previously, in speaking with Soap Opera Digest on the impetus of the event, Grahn recalled, “I was actually doing Zoom events during Covid and I met this woman that I just fell in love with, Michelle Strojny. At the time, Michelle had been living with ALS for four years. Now, it’s five years. She is a mom of a teenage son, she has the most wonderful husband, and she has been dealing with this [disease] for quite a while. And obviously, there isn’t a cure yet. It’s not survivable yet. But as she says, it’s not incurable. Nothing is; it’s underfunded. But anyway, I just really dug this woman. She is so grounded and filled with grace, and she spends all of her time working to raise money for the cause. We did a fundraiser for her last year and then I thought, ‘You know what? The soaps don’t ever get together to do something for charity.’ Collectively, we have this amazing community and we don’t collectively use it for a good cause, and I think it’s such an easy thing for us to do and we could potentially really make a difference.”

As GH viewers know, Gregory Harrison is playing the character of Gregory Chase, who is also battling ALS in a touching storyline that is currently playing out shedding a light on this disease.

For information on Nancy’s event, including the stars who are s scheduled to participate click here. To purchase tickets to the event click here.

Check out the video featuring Nancy’s friends and co-stars below.  Now let us know, your thought son the line-up for the benefit and helping raise awareness and funds for ALS research via the comment section.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Writer Shannon Peace Let Go, and Shares on Sprina: “One of My Only Regrets is to Not Have the Opportunity to Develop That ‘Ship’ Further”

As General Hospital’s new head writing team of Elizabeth Korte and Patrick Mulcahy gets off the ground and running, there are still changes a foot on the writing team.

Now comes word via breakdown writer Shannon Peace that she is no longer on contract with the long-running ABC soap heading into its 61st season. Peace shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram, thanking the fans, and the show for the opportunity and the importance of diversity in the writers room.

Peace began, “After almost 3 years on staff and 106 episodes penned, I am no longer on contract with General Hospital. Writing for this country’s longest running television serial drama has been an education of epic proportions; I will forever be grateful that I earned my WGA card on a daytime fixture that holds memories for so many.” (Peace pictured below with GH EP Frank Valentini and script writer, Charlotte Gibson from about ten months ago).

Photo: SPeaceIG

Shannon added “Even more importantly, as the sole Black breakdown writer (and only POC in the writers room) during my tenure, I pushed for vital interactions and discussions that prioritized inclusion, visibility, and representation”

The writer pointed to the example of vital interaction when in story, “Stella and Portia’s frank July 2022 conversation about the role race played in Esme’s framing of Trina is just one example of the impact I’m gratified to have had.”

Acknowledging former GH co-head writers was also part of Peace’s farewell expressing, “Appreciation to my former bosses, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor – not only taking a chance on me, but for valuing my opinion and championing my voice.”

Courtesy/ABC

Many GH fans know that Peace was key to the development of the love story between Trina Robinson and Spencer Cassadine as played by Tabyana Ali and Nicholas Chavez. Shannon gave a special shout-out to ‘Sprina’ fans, “I also want to thank fans who were supportive of my work, especially the recognition of my love for ‘Sprina’. One of my only regrets is not having to develop that ‘ship’ further.”

She concludes her statement with,”In the aftermath of a historic writer’s strike that shed new light on the troubling ways writers are regarded in daytime, my sincere hope is that General Hospital recommits to valuing staff writer efforts and input, with a more intentional focus on diverse viewpoints — and thrives for another 60 years.”

Accompanying her post, Shannon added, “Thank you all for the love and support these last few years. I hope GH fans get all they hope for and more!”

So, what do you think about GH not renewing Shannon’s contract? Will there be more continued changes afoot? What do you think is the future of ‘Sprina’ anyway at this point as viewers wait to see if Nicholas Chavez officially returns to the show?  Comment below.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Kim Coles as Whitley

Days of our Lives

Airdate: 7-24- 2023

Popular