Genoa City fans who were holding out hope that Victor Newman will stay should start prepping their goodbyes now: Eric Braeden told EW.com exclusively today that “it’s the end of the road” and he’s “pulled the plug” on any more talks to stay on The Young and the Restless. In September, Braeden walked off the set of the soap that he’s called home since 1980 after an ugly contract negotiation with Sony. The production company wanted Braeden, 68, to take a pay cut but the actor opted to leave, instead. Braeden told EW that he has since made a counter offer (he offered to take a “substantial” pay cut on the top of a voluntary 10% reduction he took two years ago) but it apparently wasn’t enough for Sony. Braeden’s last appearance on the soap will air Nov. 2.
“We reached an impasse in the negotiations,” Braeden told EW.com. “I have shown flexibility, they have shown none. It is over. I pulled the plug. That’s it. No more. If I show good will, I expect it to be reciprocated. If there is a rigid attitude on the other side, what is there to to negotiate? That’s a sign of utter disrespect. I will not negotiate with people who remain aloof and arrogant about the whole thing. Not after 30 years, I won’t do that. I’m saying this with a great amount of sadness because I’ve had nothing but respect for my fellow cast members, I have deep respect for the crew who has done an extraordinary job year in and year out, and I have enormous respect for (head writer) Maria Bell.”
Sony and CBS did not respond to requests for comment but an insider with knowledge of the negotiations said Braeden, who had been earning a seven-figure salary, would continue to earn a seven-figure salary if he agreed to a pay cut. The cast and crew of Restless – which, at 5.12 million, is the most-watched soap in daytime today – have taken pay cuts over the last year, the insider said. Braeden says he was the first cast member to offer to take a pay cut two years ago.
Like most soaps today, Restless can’t command the same kind of rich license fee from CBS that it used to because of the softening ad market in daytime – thus Sony’s attempt to lower production costs. However, Sony continues to make money off the popular drama by selling its reruns overseas and to Soapnet.
Braeden said he’s exploring new opportunities but declined to elaborate. “It’s slowly sinking in (that I’m leaving),” said Braeden. “It’s sad.”
Photo Credit: Monty Brinton/CBS
Brutal. So sad to see him go.
I bet the head producers are not taking a pay cut. Just like the CEO’s of the banks won’t take a cut or or not get there bonuses. Shame on you. Let Victor stay, your show will go in the tolet for sure without him. One of your big guns offer to take a cut so he can stay.
I agree the executives or a bunch of Idiots that’s what’s ruined our country and my favorite soap, without Victor and also Nikki, the show will be like Guiding Light a thing of the past, I’m Mad as Hell about this, I will not be watching Y&R after 11/02/09
I have watched Y&R for 25 years! Shame on Sony & CBS. I am VERY sad to see Eric Braden go, but I am glad he has the backbone to stand up the those ungreatful executives. I don’t think they realize how bad it will hurt them in the end. Pay him for his loyality!!!
Amen, Teri! That’s what in essence is wrong with the picture in America these days. People at the very top wanting to stay there while the grunts struggle every day. If Eric has earned his keep, I tell Sony & CBS “Let him stay – quit playing politics!!”… sheez!
they could save money elsewhere by getting rid of some of the people we care less about like Ashley, Adam and Sharon. Misses goody goody Sharon and Ashley have made me sick over the years. The guy that plays Adam can’t even act. Make cuts where deserved. There are several that could go and no one would notice, but not Victor.
no not again bob barker,victor when will it end
My wife and I watch. My mom and I watched when I had lunchtime in late 70′s. I’m done. I’m Victor Newman
if they take victor off, i am done with the young and the restless
same with you, i have been watching Y&R since I can remember having a memory and I will not be watching it anymore. Goodbye Y&R… VICTOR MADE Y&R
The whow will be nothing with ut hi,. I hope they take that into account.
I meant…the show will be nothing with out him…i hope the producers take that into account. There will be NO VIEWERS!
I will not watch the show due to Victor leaving! The writing script is just horrible ge some new writer. The baby switch is ridiculous. Please get yourself together before your rating go down to the bottom of the barrel.
Well I guess November 2nd will be my last time watching Y&R after so many years. Y&R will not be the same without the Great Victor Newman…the ratings will drop tremendously. I guess I will start watching another SOAP!!1
You is right, no Victor no show.Jack doesn’tmake the show, sorryhe just don’t.
Agree – I have watched since mid 80s. I record it now. But without Victor, I will not watch. Seems this may be heading the same direction as GL.
What a shame! He’s the glue that keeps the story lines together! You should be getting rid of “Ashley”. What a waste – that story line is getting old – and so is she.
Great job Eric!!
If Victor goes,..that will be the end of Young and the Restless for me..Y&R is/was about the Newman family..lately the only thing they have are the BORING off the wall characters that are so below what made Y&R the best soap ever.
This is the most saddest and ridiculous story I have heard in a while. Victor Newman IS Young and the Restless. He is one of the reasons why I watch the soap. I guess Young and the Restless can kiss their #1 ratings goodbye. Eric Braeden, thank you!!!!!
Victor Newman is no more Y&R than Nikki Newman is. Melody was asked to take a pay cut and Sony didn’t budge then either. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
It’s bad for the goose AND bad for the gander. Sony is killing off this show, because the soap business is ending and they would as soon be out of it. They’ll peddle off something cheaper and cheaper until only the last few diehards remain.
Sony had to make pay cuts because CBS slashed the licensing fee for Y&R. Sony simply couldn’t afford it and had to make cuts. Didn’t CBS put a pay freeze on their actors? If Eric cared about soaps he would have taken the cut.
Well like it says cbs and sony are negotiating and making money buy selling the reruns to other companies so why can’t they shell out to their loyal cast members? It’s a bunch of bull crap and Melody chose to get walked on Eric didn’t. It’s sad that such members as these are being step on and battered in such a way after soo many years. They will see once their show is run into the ground, by their own means I might add. It’s BULL CRAP! So many people will not watch the show and maybe that’s what they want but they will walk away with their big chunk of profit leaving the cast members screwed!!!!!!!!!!!!
One thing I hate is half information. Here’s the thing: Eric DID take a BIG salary paycut, and was the first to do so when asked. This was a back-handed thing done by Sony/Y&R Producers/Attorneys and the whole thing broke down. Personally I agree with the poster in regards to the Producers taking a cut. I’m sure they didn’t. Remember Seinfield? Look, things change and the Victor Neuman character like all others are due to run its cycle. But this was not about that. It’s using the “economy” as an excuse when here its NOT the issue. But my problem is that the Y&R hasn’t developed any of the charcters of late – even the young ones especially as they are known to do. The storylines are awful, and its as if they don’t know what to do with ANY of the actors they have. Peter, Melody, Eric and Jeanne’s characters are cornerstones of the Y&R and all will be missed. But they too will all go. I just do not like how they got rid of a 30 year worker – but its just like any company. Hire the young, in experienced and cheap until they get old, professional and qualified.
wow. i didn’t know how many people watched soap operas any more.
Yo season who let u out of the DC cage??!!!:)
you got nerve there would be no Melody (NIKKI) if there was no Victor Newman he is Y&R and when he leaves, Your sweet Melody better hope she still has a job on the show because everyone will lose their job because Y&R will be shut down!!!!! and by the way you (Season) take 10% of your earnings and give to NIKKI
What they need to do is get rid of those idiot story lines and people and give Eric his money. The Amber and Deacon, Gloria and Jeff, and not to mention Chloe. Oh, and then their is the Crimson Lights crew. The Money is there, they just want it for themselves.
Lois you are absolutely right there are alot of people that they could do without and you pretty much mentioned them all
I agree, there are all kind of people they could get rid of,,and those are at the top of my list.The days when the Crimson Lights story lines are on, I don’t even watch, don’t care.I started watching Y&R back when Victor was married to Julia and had her lover captive in teh basement.
No Victor and Nikki,,I’m done!!
Wow, I was hoping this was just a contract negotiating ploy. Fans are going to be FURIOUS! He really is the central figure of the show and I don’t know if they’ll be able to recover without him. I don’t even watch but I know diehard fans who will revolt.
Season – he did take a huge pay cut and actually organized for all cast members to take a pay cut 3 years ago to keep the show on the air. What Sony did was in the middle of their contract, void his contract and try to get him to take a further pay cut. He found it very disrespectful (which it is) but even reconsidered and tried to meet them half way, which they wouldn’t accept. Sony tried to play a bully and effectively ruined any future the show probably had.
This is the beginning of the end for soap operas. If the lead actor on the top-rated soap is compelled to leave, others will follow. And if network execs are concerned about plummeting ratings (and ad revenue) now, they’ll be floored when they see what happens when disgruntled viewers depart along with the actors.
OKAY, BEST IDEA EVER:
Hire Eric Braeden for All My Children and pair him up with Susan Lucci. They’re going to be moving to LA soon and a lot of big names aren’t moving with them, so it’s best to hire someone big?
that is actually a pretty good idea. Unfortunately AMC blows and I doubt EB would be able to stomach their poor writing and untested LA transition.
Oh lord no!! I can’t stand him, and I have watched AMC over 30 years.
Another Cheryl can’t stand him!… AMC doesn’t need EB, we have David Canary!
How do you let go of Victor Newman? One by one they are doing away with the soaps. Guiding Light goes, now say goodbye to Victor. These networks are for the birds. They won’t be happy until everything on daytime T.V. is reality or boring game shows. How sad. Eric rocked as Victor, sad…..
I agree, sadly, that this may be the end of the soaps. I have watched Y&R for many years and Victor Newman always kept the show in suspense. Without him, the show is nothing and I (along with a lot of my friends) will not be watching it. It seems as if the whole cast has really sunk to the lowest; every storyline stinks!
I have watched Y&R since I was little. I am still a loyal fan. I am very sad to that Victor is leaving. The show will not be the same.
I’m with you Stacy. I have watched Y&R the entire time it has been on the air at first with my grandmother now with my daughter…..Victor will be missed those that think he won’t are just wrong. Y&R has done very little to make their younger characters likeable….Who takes his place Nick? wishy-washy Adam? a snake yes but evil has to be tempered with something….
What a shake-down. Braeden will go on to better things and some out of work big name Hollywood old timer will take whatever job that CBS/Sony offers up . Nonetheless it all leaves a bad mood in the air in regards to watching such a show as Y&R that often seems to promote itself as such a Family . Maybe amongst the cast but that does extend beyond it to the producing conglomorates . A cold shower for all.uhg.
Wow. Huge mistake. Victor Newman has always been the center of Y&R to me. Many characters have been replaced by new actors over the years, but I think Eric is irreplaceable as Victor and to lose him over this is truly going to hurt the show.
Do people still watch soap operas? How old fashioned!
Do people still click on links about things that don’t concern them at all? What a total sad lack of any life!
Thank you Tamra!
Really Tim, it’s so old-fashioned that “Glee,” “United States of Tara” and “Desperate Housewives” all copy what many people still watch on daytime dramas.
I suppose the same could be said of people who spend their time watching daytime soap operas. How quaint!
I’m sorry, but I agree. Soap Operas are so old fashioned and have really BAD acting. They’re story lines are so laughable.
Obviously, you don’t watch soaps. Do you understand the ENORMOUS and incredible amount of work it takes to produce FIVE hours of programming a week? Unlike primetime shows that get a week or more per episode and show reruns, soaps generate over 200+ new shows a year, WITHOUT, I may add, the benefit of reruns, and/or extended breaks. If soaps go, there will be no ORIGINAL programming left during the day. Say hello to re-runs of the ‘CSI’s', ‘Law and Order’, or reality tv drivel. I hope that the powers that be get their heads out of their **ses and wise up before it is too late…
Then why do you watch them ?Because it is very obvious that you do.
Yes that is what I say. Why critisize when it’s not a daily ritual for you. These actors put their time in to work hard at getting these “soaps” out for us viewers. I’m sorry but I don’t think Y & R does bad acting, exception of a couple….ADAM!
Kelly, that’s why so many soap actors have gone on to prime time roles and aven movies. Get your facts straight.
Ummm, Kelly … Y&R has some amazing actors. I have to ask, though, if you’re not into soaps, what are you doing here? lol (Not trying to be a smart @ss, just curious.)
How quaint and laughable that some people are so bored they have nothing to do but respond to subjects that have NOTHING to do with them, as Tamara wisely mentioned. If you don’t watch soaps and therefore don’t care about them, why are you poking your big noses into this discussion about soaps? Duh, find something you like to do, like needlepoint or bowling or antiquing, and GO DO IT and stop wasting our time.
And yet, you Tim are reading an article about a soap star and replying about …
LMAO.
R U kidding? of course people Young and Old still watch Y&R
Tim, telling the same joke twice doesn’t make it funnier.
No it doesn’t, but it sure rattles some old ladies cages!
And I’m not ashamed of being ‘old-fashioned’. Have to ask, though, if you’re not into soaps, what are you doing here??? lol
Iam sorry to hear that Eric is leaving.I am also upset about where the writers are going with the story line of stealing Sharon’s baby they did not think that through.I will no longer watch YandR.
It really saddens me to see Eric Braden leaving, although he is absolutely correct with regard to respect. He is a class act and should be treated accordingly. The show, much as I love it, will never be the same without him. Good Luck, Eric, in your life and in your work.
As much as we “love” to “hate” Victor Newman, Eric Braeden is a GREAT actor and a GREAT talent. I’ve watched the show and him for more than 20 years, but all Y & R fans need to support the other great actors who continue despite this huge loss.
sorry, i will noto be able to continue watching Y&R if EB leaves. and i have been watching for 30 years now (i’m 38). through college and jobs, y&r has been there for an hour of great entertainment. these guys must not realize how many people watch y&r. it may be old fashioned, but i am always amazed at how much talent goes into producing that show. the writing is immaculate and hilarious! i hope they can work this out. or i’m done.
I have watched the Young and Restless since the very first show but no more. They have ruined a very good show.
I also have watched the Y&R for years along with other soap operas.
For the past 5 years, Y&R was the only one, for the others dissapointed me over and over. Lately, the show has had story lines that have insulted people’s inteligence.(Ashley’s miscarriage).I kept watching it hoping that it would somehow bring the writers to their senses. No more! Without Victor there isn’t much to watch. My best wishes to EB for a long and happy life and thank you for all the years we shared the “Tube”
I’m totally devastated and disappointed.
I have been waiting for this day for years,and now if only we could rid the show of Nikki as well…Oh what a day!!!!!!
you are rude don’t you care. some people enjoy these characters. you must not be one of them STOP WATCHING YOU FOOL!!!!
I can’t believe they have let “The Victor Newman”(Eric Braeden)- go!Victor&Catherine Chancellor is the Core of this show! They have already replaced our beloved Guiding Light with Judge Mathis.Now you can be sure that Young and Restless will be replaced with something just as stupid.All about money. Well where did you come out ahead, if your show is canceled due to no viewers?
I’ve been watching this show since I was a child, I am now 44 years old. November 2nd will be the last time I watch it! Thanks alot CBS and Sony Entertainment!