In a shocking revelation that left soap fans reeling, The Young and the Restless legend Eric Braeden, who has portrayed the iconic Victor Newman for over four decades, confessed that he was once approached by a rival soap opera eager to lure him away from Genoa City. The unexpected disclosure came during his recent interview on the Soapy podcast, hosted by fellow daytime stars Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart — and it immediately sent shockwaves throughout the soap community.

The charismatic actor, known for his commanding presence and powerful performances, revealed that early in his Y&R career, a New York–based soap reached out, hoping to convince him to jump ship. While Braeden didn’t name the specific show, he admitted that the offer was real and serious enough to make him pause and think about his career’s direction. “There was an invitation to come to New York and meet with executives,” Braeden recalled. “It was flattering, of course, but I had to think long and hard about what I wanted to do — stay with a show that was just finding its footing, or take a risk on something new.”

At the time, The Young and the Restless was still in its formative years, and Victor Newman had yet to evolve into the powerful patriarch audiences know today. When Braeden first joined the soap in 1980, his character was designed to be a short-term villain, a wealthy businessman with a cruel streak. Few could have predicted that Victor would become the central figure in one of television’s most successful dramas.

So, what stopped Eric from leaving? The actor credits one man above all — Y&R creator William J. Bell. “I went to Bill and said, ‘This character needs depth. He can’t just be a villain,’” Braeden explained. “I told him I wanted to explore where Victor came from — what made him the way he is. Bill listened. He went home, thought about it, and came back with a storyline that changed everything.”

That storyline would become one of Y&R’s most iconic arcs — Victor revealing his difficult childhood, growing up in an orphanage, and fighting his way to success. It humanized the ruthless businessman, transforming him into one of the most complex characters in daytime television. “That’s when I knew I had something worth staying for,” Braeden said. “Bill Bell gave me a gift — he turned Victor Newman from a villain into a man with heart, pain, and history.”

But the mystery remains — which rival soap tried to steal him?

During the 1980s, most daytime dramas were produced in New York, including One Life to Live, All My Children, Ryan’s Hope, and As the World Turns. Industry insiders believe that one of these shows might have been the culprit. Some fans speculate that All My Children, then at the height of its popularity under creator Agnes Nixon, might have been interested in adding a powerful male lead to its ensemble. Others believe Another World, which was looking to reinvent itself around that time, may have made the offer.

Still, Braeden has never publicly revealed the show’s name — a decision that only adds to the intrigue. “Out of respect for everyone involved, I’ll keep that private,” he said with a smile. “Let’s just say it was a tempting proposition.”

Had Braeden accepted, the soap world could have looked drastically different. Victor Newman might never have become the towering titan of business and family that fans know today. The Newman legacy — from his volatile romance with Nikki to his feuds with Jack Abbott — might never have existed. “It’s fascinating to think about,” Braeden mused. “If I had left, the entire direction of The Young and the Restless could have changed. But life has a way of putting you where you belong.”

Over the decades, Y&R has seen countless actors come and go, but Braeden’s loyalty has remained unshakable. Even during difficult times — including health scares and rumors of retirement — the actor has consistently expressed gratitude for the role that changed his life. “I owe so much to this show,” he shared. “It’s been my home, my creative outlet, and a huge part of my identity. I’ve had offers over the years, but there’s something about Victor Newman — about The Young and the Restless — that keeps me coming back.”