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Eric Braeden Reflects on 45 Years of Success Amid Personal Challenges

Eric Braeden, the iconic star of The Young and the Restless, is navigating a bittersweet chapter in his life. As he celebrates 45 years portraying Victor Newman, a character he brought to life since 1980, Braeden recently endured a personal tragedy, losing his home to devastating fires in Pacific Palisades last month.

“It’s been kind of peculiar,” Braeden noted regarding his emotional journey during this challenging time. “You go through ups and downs, but we shall take it step by step. There are uncertainties regarding insurance, and it’s a very difficult situation. Looking at the ashes reminds me of cherished family moments, like the conversations I had with my wife and granddaughter before Christmas. Life’s unforeseen events can be overwhelming, but I try to remain optimistic.”

Despite the turmoil, Braeden finds solace in his work on The Young and the Restless. “Focusing on my character helps me cope; otherwise, you can’t perform effectively in scenes,” he explained. This dedication to his craft serves as a comforting distraction from his ongoing worries.

While contemplating the future concerning their devastated home, Braeden and his family are taking a measured approach. “We’re formulating the plan,” he shared. “We intend to rebuild, but that depends heavily on the cooperation of insurance companies. It’s essential for the city to see the Palisades restored, considering its economic significance, but the area needs thorough cleanup before any rebuilding can commence.”

A silver lining during this period has been the success of Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, directed by Braeden’s son, Christian Gudegast. “It topped the box office for a while, and I couldn’t be happier,” Braeden said, recognizing the duality of joy and loss that accompanies personal achievements during tough times.

Reflecting on his incredible journey with Y&R, Braeden expressed amazement at the longevity of his career. “If you had told me in 1980 that I would still be here, I would have thought you were crazy,” he reflected. His attachment to Victor Newman is profound, as the character encapsulates themes of resilience, vulnerability, and the longing for family—a contrast to his own upbringing in an orphanage.

Although Braeden acknowledges the recognizability of Victor, he attributes the character’s success to a collective effort. “There’s no single formula for success in this business; it’s a combination of the right role and the perfect timing,” he commented on his enduring appeal.

When asked if there was a storyline he wished had been explored further, Braeden expressed a desire for a more prolonged relationship plot with Ashley Abbott, reflecting on the dynamic between characters. He emphasized the immense respect he has for the show’s writers, understanding the complexities of crafting compelling narratives in soap operas.

Despite intense moments of joy and challenges at the studio, Braeden still finds excitement and spontaneity in his performances. “Some days bring unexpected moments that make scenes feel real. I cherish those little moments,” he said, highlighting the collaborative nature of acting and the thrill it brings.

Though primarily known for his soap opera work, one standout project for Braeden was his role as John Jacob Astor IV in the blockbuster film Titanic. He recalls a confident intuition about the movie’s success, despite skepticism from peers. “I believed it would resonate with viewers; it’s a brilliant, costly soap opera,” he remarked.

During the filming of Titanic, Braeden had a unique experience with director James Cameron, who shared an early cut of the film. “I had goosebumps watching it and knew it was going to be a substantial success,” he recalled, impressed by the talent of Leonardo DiCaprio.

As he continues working on The Young and the Restless, Braeden reflects on the responsibility of entertaining millions and the joy it brings. “The camaraderie with the talented cast, like Joshua Morrow, Melody Thomas Scott, and Peter Bergman, makes every day rewarding,” he shared.

Looking ahead, Braeden has no intentions of stepping back from his role anytime soon. “I’ve faced moments where I considered leaving, but those fade away. I’ve seen many of my contemporaries retire or pass away. I’m still here, and I’m determined to continue,” he asserted confidently.

The Young and the Restless, Weekdays, CBS, Check Local Listings

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