Since 1980, Eric Braeden has been thrilling fans of The Young and the Restless as the larger-than-life Victor Newman, a man who is still battling the bad guys and ruling the Newman roost with finesse in 2024.
Braeden has been nominated for eight Daytime Emmy Awards though the years, winning once, turning Victor into one of the most iconic soap characters in daytime history.
In April of 2023, Braeden announced he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer after having some prostate problems. Thankfully, in August, he revealed he was cancer-free after working throughout his treatment to continue bringing Victor to life.
After so many years on Y&R and in show business (he began his career in primetime and was a regular on the 1960s series Rat Patrol), some fans have been wondering how much longer he plans to stick around the CBS soap. On March 17, Braeden took to Facebook Live to set the record straight.
"There are rumors every so often [about my leaving the show]," Braeden said. "They serve as clickbait where someone announces I'm leaving. I'm not. I don't ever intend to retire. Ever. To be frank with you, what the hell would I do? Start a new profession? Hardly."
Braeden went on to express his thanks for the career he's been blessed with all these years and the opportunity it's given him to bring entertainment into people's lives.
"I'll be 83 next month and am proud of it," he says. "I'm not about to endeavor a new profession." The accomplished actor hastens to add that "I could have. I'm very grateful to have entertained millions of people. I don't want to become maudlin but that means a hell of a lot to me."
Currently, Braeden is involved with another front burner story as Victor continues to battle an enemy he calls "that Jordan woman" while making sure Nikki stays away from alcohol and Claire is someone he can trust. As always, it's a tall order for Victor, but Braeden plays the power part with ease.
What do you think? Are you happy Eric Braeden will be sticking around Y&R? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
