Victor Newman has been part of The Young and the Restless for over four decades. In fact, some fans think he has become the central part of the soap. However, some fans suspect the character might soon be leaving Genoa City. This notably follows real-life events impacting Victor’s actor, Eric Braeden.
Eric Braeden Has Been Victor Newman On The Young and the Restless For Over 40 Years
Eric Braeden has consistently played the character since 1980. Originally intended as a guest character, Victor would go on to become a regular cast member, if not one of the main male characters, on the soap.
After coming to Genoa City, Victor would develop Newman Enterprises. Throughout the years, he would serve as a villain, but would also show a loving and protective side. Victor would also have multiple romances on the soap, which brought about quite a few marriages.
Viewers have seen the character on the soap for over 40 years. However, some fans are starting to worry that they might soon be seeing the last of the character.
Taking to Reddit, one fan asked, concerning Victor, “Is this the long farewell?” They continued, “Victor, lots of heavy emotions happening – is this the final road for him?”
Fans Think Recent Events Will Either Inspire Braeden To Retire Or Spur Him On To Keep Working
While forty years would already be a long time for someone to play a character, many fans were concerned about recent events impacting Victor’s actor, Eric Braeden.
Braeden recently lost his home in the recent Los Angeles wildfires. Before being evacuated, he was able to record at least two videos of the fire from his own backyard.
As previously reported, Braeden’s tearful return to the site of his destroyed home was later featured on Entertainment Tonight. At the time, he shared, “It’s such a feeling of loss. Indescribable. It leaves you totally disoriented.”
Many fans shared comments on the Reddit post, where they noted they would understand if Braeden wanted to leave the soap. Some also felt it was a natural progression to see Victor leave the soap.
However, others felt what happened to Braeden may motivate him to keep working. These comments included:
- “He’s had a rough year or so. Joint replacement, cancer, and to top it all off lost his home to a wildfire.”
- “I think that would be a good thing. Let him have a great swan song. Its better than when a character passes away off screen and isn’t given a proper sendoff.”
- “He said in an interview somewhere he won’t leave till he’s gone gone. Like forever.”
- “Have the focus of a job keeps people going through difficult situations.”
- “It’s realistic for the show to explore the end of Victor. To be clear, Victor is the star of the show. He is Y&R. I love him and Braeden. So, a salute to him. There will never be another Eric Braeden or Victor Newman…For me, exploring his end simply means setting up the heirs and letting Victor groom them while he can, which can hopefully be years”
