Eric Braeden signed on for the role of Victor Newman thinking he would only have a short stay on The Young and the Restless. His presence captured the audiences’ attentions and it was instant love for the powerhouse player. Now, 44 years later, Eric — and Victor — are still going strong.

The Great Victor Newman

It would be impossible to count the storylines Eric Braeden has taken on. Kidnappings, near-death experiences, disappearances, mysteries, and romances kept fans on the edge of the seats for over four decades.

Most notably viewers have enjoyed Victor’s sweet affair with Hope, his sizzling hot chemistry with Ashley (Eileen Davidson), and his true love story with Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott). The rivalry between Victor and Jack (Peter Bergman) have kept fans on the edge of their seats. And his friendships with Neil (Kristoff St. John) and Katherine (Jeanne Cooper) were for the record books.

Braeden’s talent knows no bounds, and he makes soapy stories seem like second nature. He’s played the good guy, the bad guy, and everything in-between. A hero, a villain, a great dad, and a terrible father are all par for the course while playing the man lovingly referred to as The Mustache. You got that!

Eric Braeden has maintained his status as a living legend and daytime icon with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, and for being the most recognized face in soaps.