Young & Restless’ Eric Braeden On a Rival Soap? ‘They Asked Me… ’

In June, we brought our readers news that BFFs The Young and the Restless and Days of Our Lives’ Greg Rikaart (Kevin, Leo) and The Bold and the Beautiful’s Rebecca Budig (Taylor) would be hosting a new series titled Soapy. With the debut episode released this past week, their first guest was one of daytime biggest stars, Eric Braeden (Victor).

Having been on the CBS soap for over 45 years, viewers have watched Victor go through many trials and tribulations since 1980. When asked why he’s stayed on the soap for so long, Braeden gave credit where credit was due and stated, “Because I had a conversation with Bill Bell.” Watch the video below to hear why that specific discussion kept Victor in Genoa City.

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And being on a soap for so long, we have to wonder if another show ever came knocking on Braeden’s door? Well, Budig did as well and asked the vet, “Did another soap ever try to poach you?” The actor gave a little laugh then later the actress asked again, “Surely when you were doing contract negotiations someone came sniffing around.” Braeden acknowledged that there had been “rumors here and there” then added, “But no, I don’t talk about that.” However, he did admit, “Once I took a trip to New York in the early years. They asked me to come to see someone in New York,” to which Rikaart replied, “I’m glad you stayed.”

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We’re glad Braeden stayed with Young & Restless too but could you imagine? A character like Victor on All My Children, One Life to Live, Loving, As the World Turns, Another World or Ryan’s Hope? Yep, those were all the soaps that filmed in New York back in the day.

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Watch the premiere episode of Soapy in its entirely below…

And while Braeden’s secret shall remain one…

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We’ve uncovered 75 fun facts surrounding other soap stars that can be viewed in our photo gallery below, including which popular sitcom was based on an actress’ life, which character’s first on-screen kiss was their portrayer’s as well and so many more!

Video: SheKnowsSoaps, CBS/YouTube