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After 45 years of captivating audiences as the powerful Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless, Eric Braeden is facing one of the most difficult personal challenges of his life: losing his home in the devastating Pacific Palisades fires. Yet, despite the emotional toll of losing a lifetime of memories, Braeden remains a symbol of resilience. In this candid interview, Braeden opens up about his highs and lows, the unexpected challenges of rebuilding, and how his iconic role as Victor has helped him through some of life’s darkest moments.

From Fire to Ashes: The Loss of a Lifetime

In the early months of 2025, Braeden’s life was turned upside down when wildfires ripped through the Pacific Palisades, destroying his home. The fire left Braeden grappling with more than just the loss of property; it stripped away memories of family gatherings, holidays, and precious moments shared in his home.

Reflecting on the devastation, Braeden shared that the sight of the charred remains of his house was haunting.

“When I saw the ashes, I looked into the rubble and remembered my wife and granddaughter sitting there before Christmas, having a wonderful conversation. It’s hard to prepare for something like that. But I’ve lived through hardships before—I grew up during WWII, and that experience gives me some hope,” he said.

His ability to remain optimistic in the face of such a profound loss speaks to his deep well of resilience.

However, rebuilding is not as simple as it seems. The challenges of dealing with insurance claims, property damage, and an uncertain future have made the process even more complex. “We’re formulating the plan, but I don’t want to rush into it,” Braeden admits.

While he is committed to rebuilding, the slow pace of recovery in his community is a frustrating reminder of how long the process could take.

Silver Linings: Family Triumphs Amidst Tragedy

Even amidst the wreckage, there are bright spots in Braeden’s life. One of those is the remarkable success of his son, Christian Gudegast, who directed and wrote the action-packed blockbuster Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.

The film recently hit number one at the box office, a massive achievement for the young director.

“It was number one for a while, and I couldn’t be happier,” Braeden beams with pride. This success has been a source of joy for the entire Braeden family, serving as a bittersweet reminder of life’s unpredictable balance between triumph and tragedy. “On the one hand, it’s a great feeling of happiness and success.

On the other hand, you’re reminded of what you lost—40 years of accumulated memories.”

Victor Newman: 45 Years of Legacy

Despite his personal challenges, Braeden remains dedicated to his iconic role as Victor Newman, the character he’s played for nearly half a century. “If you had told me 45 years ago that I’d still be here, I would have thought you were crazy,” he laughs.

But after all this time, Braeden’s commitment to Victor runs deep.

“Victor is self-made, suspicious, tough, hard, but also vulnerable. He wants family more than anything because he didn’t have it growing up in an orphanage,” Braeden explains. It’s this complexity that keeps Braeden coming back to the role, year after year. His bond with Victor runs parallel to his personal life, making the character both a challenge and a source of immense satisfaction.

As Y&R marks its 45th year, Braeden’s portrayal of Victor remains a cornerstone of the show’s success. He recognizes that the role’s enduring popularity is a result of a perfect storm—a blend of right timing, right character, and right network. Braeden credits Y&R’s creator Bill Bell with laying the groundwork for a character who feels both timeless and fresh.

Small Moments, Big Impact: The Thrill of Acting

While Braeden’s career has spanned decades, he still finds excitement in the small moments on set. Reflecting on a recent scene with co-star Christian LeBlanc, he recalls, “We did something in the scene that suddenly made it all more real. It’s those moments I cherish.”

Braeden’s deep love for his craft is clear, and it’s this passion that keeps him coming back to Genoa City.

“I just love working with these actors, and I feel a responsibility to entertain millions of people. That gives you a certain joy and purpose,” he says.

A Blockbuster and an Icon: Reflecting on Titanic

For all his success on Y&R, Braeden has also had notable roles outside the soap world. One of the most iconic was playing John Jacob Astor IV in James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster Titanic.

Braeden recalls the moment he knew the film would be a hit, despite the concerns of others about its enormous budget. “I’m the only one who said this was going to be a success,” Braeden laughs. “It was a soap opera, a very expensive soap opera. And I knew something about soap operas.”

Braeden’s instincts were right. Titanic went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of all time, a remarkable achievement that continues to bring pride to Braeden.

The film, and the incredible cast he worked with, remains one of his most cherished experiences in his long career.

No Plans to Quit: Braeden’s Commitment to Y&R

Despite the personal struggles and the challenges of rebuilding his home, Braeden has no intention of stepping away from The Young and the Restless.

“No,” he says firmly when asked about retirement. “There were moments during negotiations where I thought, ‘That’s it,’ but it always works out.”

Braeden’s passion for his work and his belief in the power of entertainment are clear. “I’m still here because I love what I do, and I love working with these incredible actors. We entertain millions of people around the world, and that gives you a sense of responsibility.”

At 45 years in Genoa City, Eric Braeden’s journey is far from over. His story is one of perseverance, dedication, and a refusal to let adversity stop him. With no plans to slow down, Braeden continues to inspire audiences and colleagues alike, proving that even in the face of life’s greatest challenges, his determination remains unshaken.