Eric Braeden on Retirement - The Young and the Restless

I was searching for something and came across an article featuring Eric Braeden, on Soap Central dated March 18, 2024.

The quotes come from a Facebook live video that he did on March 17, 2024.

…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.”

So once again he has reiterated that he never plans to retire. Ever!

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As he has stated over and over

He does not plan to retire, that also can mean…next contract negotiations and powers that be could say that they will use the Victor character less and less

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I’m not a victor fan but I would hate to see him retire. I believe Eric Braeden has a huge fan base as well so they would be upset. I did love Victor when I first started watching the show, it was him and Nikki that got me hooked on young and restless.

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Nothing against the actor, he wants to continue and that is fine.

But to me, IF he were to leave the show, the show can and would continue. Adam to me would be closest to be next Victor

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yes the show would continue, it did after Jeanne 'Cooper died, I miss her as well. I don’t see adam as the next victor, perhaps if they write him as they used to but this weak character could never replace victor.

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Certainly not Nick so unless they bring in some new character, who would be the next Victor-like character?

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I have no idea,victoria seems more like him, but I like her better now. adam could be like victor if they write him ruthless like his father.

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True but he is on screen far too much and his “never lose to TGVN” is terrible for ANY storyline

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I find it interesting that EB seems to feel that once you retire you need to start a new profession and has no idea what he would do if he retires??

I’m retired after 45 plus years as an educator, and I have no problems filling my days. Travel, friends, nature, shoppping, dining out, volunteering etc, etc. Millions of people retire and have no desire to look for a new profession. So that part of his statement confuses me a bit.

Adam to me would be closest to be next Victor

I actually think Victoria is the closest in character to Victor. I’ve seen her referred to as Victor Junior a few times. Someone like the Ashland character would have been the perfect mature male character to take over a Victor-ish role on the show.

Nick and Adam, simply are not given the chance as they remain squarely under the thumb of Victor’s whims. He controls them like puppets.

I long for the day when Victor is just on a couple times a year.

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I think EB would be lost without the instant personal gratification from being noticed or recognized…maybe too insecure to retire!

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Someone like the Ashland character would have been the perfect mature male character to take over a Victor-ish role on the show.

yes Ashland would have been perfect

again nothing against Eric/but retiring, with $$$ travel, spend time with family and friends, read, as you said after retiring you have not problem filling your day and the same is for me

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yes but its the Newman show now, not young and restless.

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yes Ashland would have been perfect

Yes, the show really, really screwed that one up.

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its just like Elvis, he said he felt alive when performing so maybe the same for EB. I have never liked the change in victor, Bill Bell knew how to give us balance with him, these writers do not, they write him like some mafia boss.

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biggest mistake was getting rid of Richard Burgi as Ashland. there were so many possibilities with him.

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biggest mistake was getting rid of Richard Burgi as Ashland. there were so many possibilities with him.

Totally agree…he even made me like Victoria.

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Totally agree…he even made me like Victoria.

yes she was somewhat more likeable for me too, and even if they broke up there were other characters to put him with such as phyllis or sharon. he could have fought for harrison as well.

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Unfortunately I think you are right! Where the heck is Sharon? Where is Kevin? Bring back Noah and Allie! Bring back Faith, Reed and Moses! Opps I got into a bit of a rant about the darn writing or lack of writing

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That is SO true…the character is not even remotely likeable to me

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You know another twist to the EB never retiring is, what about Melody Thomas Scott? I just googled her and in real life she is 67 years old…I wonder how she feels about remaining on the show.

And…what would happen to EB/Victor character if she chose to retire. A new love interest maybe

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