Eric Braeden Says He Doubts He'll Do Another Soap Again - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 10-07-2009, 09:28 PM

In yet another blow to the already ailing soap opera world, Eric Braeden, the venerable star of CBS’ The Young and the Restless, has exited the top-rated daytime drama after a nasty negotiation with Sony. The production company wanted the popular actor to take a pay cut for playing mega mogul Victor Newman, but Braeden—who’s been on the soap since 1980—opted to leave instead. Barring any last-minute change, Braeden’s final episode will air on Nov. 2. Reps for Sony and CBS had no comment, though one insider indicated that no further talks are planned. EW talked with Braeden, 68, about Sony’s decision to exercise a draconian clause in his contract (his deal that was set to expire in November 2010 can still be renegotiated every 26 weeks) and what it means to the future of daytime dramas.

EW: Where do things stand? Did your representative counter Sony’s offer and you have yet to hear an answer?
Braeden: Precisely.

As of today, are you willing to take what Sony offered?
No. There is no appreciation of the fact that I’ve been an important part of the show for 27 years that has been no. 1 in the ratings. That’s extraordinary. So to be dealt with in a perfunctory matter as if you had just known these people for a few months is what is most offensive. This is a certain corporate culture now that is very deleterious.

Is it true you offered to take a pay cut before?
I was the first one [to offer] because I knew that if we all did it, we would insure the continuation of the show. I did it two years ago when I signed my last contract, which I thought would last until next November.

Did you say your on-set goodbyes?
I said this could be a long goodbye, and I may not see you for a long time. Who knows? I’m not saying I’ve been let go – we’re still negotiating. But it feels like that.

What does this say about the state of the industry when a production company is asking the star of the No. 1 show in daytime to take a pay cut? Should everyone be worried?
Yes, though it depends on what the star does. All options are open right now. What can I tell you? I know there are certain economic realities that dictate the actions they are taking right now, but the manner in which its being done is most insulting.

You taped your last episode on Sept. 23. Was that the way you wanted Victor to go?
No. It was rushed. It was obviously meant to intimidate. It was obviously done with enormous forethought to coincide with the end of the 26-week cycle. Essentially that is what the business is doing now and has been doing for a while. And quite frankly, it’s outrageous. When I sign a three-year deal, I’m obligated to fulfill that deal. The producers, however, can come to me after a half-year and say, “We’ve changed our minds.” Where in the world of business does this kind of contract exist? Do I blame the people for wanting to squeeze as much out of us as they can? I do not. The question is, when do you squeeze too much?

Would you do another daytime drama?
I doubt that. Never say never in this business or in life, but I doubt that.

Can you see the genre still existing in 10 years?
Yes I can. How many reality shows can you watch? They’re so obviously phony. Our show deals with adult problems in a long continuous manner, and very much like the way things are dealt with in real life. In that sense I think there will always be a need for (soaps). They’re almost novelistic in their approach.

http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/...-eric-braeden/

Marvo301 · 10-07-2009, 10:08 PM

It' a shame that Eric Braeden has been treated so poorly and has basically been pushed out the door at Y&R. It's even more of a shame that this may be the last we see of Mr. Braeden in Soaps. Shame on Sony for such shabby treatment of one best and most long standing leading men in Soaps.

Schmoopie · 10-07-2009, 10:34 PM

He brought up a good point that he can be locked into a three year contract but the network execs can boot him out six months into that three year contract. Just sad. I never really watched Y&R but I've heard of Eric Braden and I know he was a well known fixture on that show. What a waste of all the years he's been with them to just toss him out like that.

For his sake, I hope that Y&R's #1 ratings tank and that the show is on the brink of cancellation soon!

MickeyMac · 10-08-2009, 03:06 PM

This will effect the ratings for sure.

HuntingtonM15 · 10-08-2009, 03:23 PM

It's so ridiculous how they do that these days. It makes contracts meaningless when they do this stupid cycle thing.

spunkygirl · 10-08-2009, 07:18 PM

Networks have always been able to boot actors when their contract cycle is up, that's nothing new.

What they're doing with making them take a cut every time that cycle is up is what ticks me off

80sTrivia · 10-10-2009, 01:43 PM

Shocking... still hoping something changes and he will come back to the show...

Schmoopie · 10-11-2009, 06:09 AM

I was thinking about this today and on one hand, he should be grateful that they were going to keep him (even though he would have made less money), since our economy is so bad. But on the other hand, this is a terrible way to treat someone who's been on the show for so long. Sadly this is a trend that is happening with all the soaps. They dump the vetran actors (who in most cases, IMO, are better) and hire these young kids to turn the soaps into teenville USA. So much for caring about viewer loyalty. Used to be that I could miss a year of GH and still know what was going on when I tuned in a year later. Now it's unreconizable to me!

Scoobiedoo30 · 10-11-2009, 09:25 PM

I hope that Eric does get his contract renewed.

DebbieDeb · 10-17-2009, 08:33 PM

I have watched Y&R from day one, and i absolutely love Eric Braeden. I think he will be back. But Shame on them for even letting it come to this!

HuntingtonM15 · 10-17-2009, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DebbieDeb

I have watched Y&R from day one, and i absolutely love Eric Braeden. I think he will be back. But Shame on them for even letting it come to this!

I also think they will eventually come to an agreement. He has left for extended periods of time before to film movies and such, and it never really hurt the show. But if he were to permanently leave, it would definitely impact the show in a negative way. But I'm still hopeful that something will eventually be reached.

spunkygirl · 10-17-2009, 08:50 PM

Doesn't look good:

http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/...-negotiations/

DebbieDeb · 10-21-2009, 03:59 PM

He makes 7 figures. my guess is that they'll use that money to bring in young, 'cheap' talent. such a shame. he'll be missed.

MickeyMac · 10-21-2009, 05:35 PM

If their ratins dip, they will be working with Braedon on some kind of deal.

80sTrivia · 10-22-2009, 05:09 AM

After yesterday's episode, where Victor proved once again in his confrotation with Ashley that he is incapable of changing or becoming a better person even when he has been given a second chance to live after creating the events that caused Colleen's death, proves the character is without redemption, soul or remorse. Once an abusive, controlling misogynist, always an abusive, controlling misognynist. There's no salvation for him and thus, no where else to go.

10-07-2009, 09:28 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Eric Braeden Says He Doubts He'll Do Another Soap Again In yet another blow to the already ailing soap opera world, Eric Braeden, the venerable star of CBS’ The Young and the Restless, has exited the top-rated daytime drama after a nasty negotiation with Sony. The production company wanted the popular actor to take a pay cut for playing mega mogul Victor Newman, but Braeden—who’s been on the soap since 1980—opted to leave instead. Barring any last-minute change, Braeden’s final episode will air on Nov. 2. Reps for Sony and CBS had no comment, though one insider indicated that no further talks are planned. EW talked with Braeden, 68, about Sony’s decision to exercise a draconian clause in his contract (his deal that was set to expire in November 2010 can still be renegotiated every 26 weeks) and what it means to the future of daytime dramas. EW: Where do things stand? Did your representative counter Sony’s offer and you have yet to hear an answer? Braeden: Precisely. As of today, are you willing to take what Sony offered? No. There is no appreciation of the fact that I’ve been an important part of the show for 27 years that has been no. 1 in the ratings. That’s extraordinary. So to be dealt with in a perfunctory matter as if you had just known these people for a few months is what is most offensive. This is a certain corporate culture now that is very deleterious. Is it true you offered to take a pay cut before? I was the first one [to offer] because I knew that if we all did it, we would insure the continuation of the show. I did it two years ago when I signed my last contract, which I thought would last until next November. Did you say your on-set goodbyes? I said this could be a long goodbye, and I may not see you for a long time. Who knows? I’m not saying I’ve been let go – we’re still negotiating. But it feels like that. What does this say about the state of the industry when a production company is asking the star of the No. 1 show in daytime to take a pay cut? Should everyone be worried? Yes, though it depends on what the star does. All options are open right now. What can I tell you? I know there are certain economic realities that dictate the actions they are taking right now, but the manner in which its being done is most insulting. You taped your last episode on Sept. 23. Was that the way you wanted Victor to go? No. It was rushed. It was obviously meant to intimidate. It was obviously done with enormous forethought to coincide with the end of the 26-week cycle. Essentially that is what the business is doing now and has been doing for a while. And quite frankly, it’s outrageous. When I sign a three-year deal, I’m obligated to fulfill that deal. The producers, however, can come to me after a half-year and say, “We’ve changed our minds.” Where in the world of business does this kind of contract exist? Do I blame the people for wanting to squeeze as much out of us as they can? I do not. The question is, when do you squeeze too much? Would you do another daytime drama? I doubt that. Never say never in this business or in life, but I doubt that. Can you see the genre still existing in 10 years? Yes I can. How many reality shows can you watch? They’re so obviously phony. Our show deals with adult problems in a long continuous manner, and very much like the way things are dealt with in real life. In that sense I think there will always be a need for (soaps). They’re almost novelistic in their approach. http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/...-eric-braeden/
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

10-07-2009, 10:08 PM	#2
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	It' a shame that Eric Braeden has been treated so poorly and has basically been pushed out the door at Y&R. It's even more of a shame that this may be the last we see of Mr. Braeden in Soaps. Shame on Sony for such shabby treatment of one best and most long standing leading men in Soaps.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

10-07-2009, 10:34 PM	#3
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	He brought up a good point that he can be locked into a three year contract but the network execs can boot him out six months into that three year contract. Just sad. I never really watched Y&R but I've heard of Eric Braden and I know he was a well known fixture on that show. What a waste of all the years he's been with them to just toss him out like that. For his sake, I hope that Y&R's #1 ratings tank and that the show is on the brink of cancellation soon!
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

10-10-2009, 01:43 PM	#7
80sTrivia Member Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 23, 2002 Posts: 21,714	Shocking... still hoping something changes and he will come back to the show...
	__________________ Perfect Gift Books for Pop Culture Fanatics: Thank You for Being a Friend: A Golden Girls Trivia Book The Bouquet Residence: A Keeping Up Appearances Trivia Book Cooking With the Golden Girls: Fun & Delicious Recipes from a Hilarious Miami Kitchen Love in the Afternoon: The Ultimate Soap Opera Trivia Book The Last Great Decade: The Ultimate 90s Trivia Book Betty White: A Celebration

10-11-2009, 09:25 PM	#9
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	I hope that Eric does get his contract renewed.
	__________________ Who Dat

10-08-2009, 03:06 PM	#4
MickeyMac Member Forum Star Join Date: Jun 18, 2008 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 19,008	This will effect the ratings for sure.

10-08-2009, 03:23 PM	#5
HuntingtonM15 That Bothers Me Moderator Forum Star Join Date: Jun 20, 2003 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 11,061	It's so ridiculous how they do that these days. It makes contracts meaningless when they do this stupid cycle thing.

10-08-2009, 07:18 PM	#6
spunkygirl Member Moderator Forum Celebrity Join Date: Apr 26, 2003 Posts: 21,563	Networks have always been able to boot actors when their contract cycle is up, that's nothing new. What they're doing with making them take a cut every time that cycle is up is what ticks me off

10-11-2009, 06:09 AM	#8
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	I was thinking about this today and on one hand, he should be grateful that they were going to keep him (even though he would have made less money), since our economy is so bad. But on the other hand, this is a terrible way to treat someone who's been on the show for so long. Sadly this is a trend that is happening with all the soaps. They dump the vetran actors (who in most cases, IMO, are better) and hire these young kids to turn the soaps into teenville USA. So much for caring about viewer loyalty. Used to be that I could miss a year of GH and still know what was going on when I tuned in a year later. Now it's unreconizable to me!

10-17-2009, 08:33 PM	#10
DebbieDeb Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 13, 2009 Location: Pine Valley, CA Posts: 11	I have watched Y&R from day one, and i absolutely love Eric Braeden. I think he will be back. But Shame on them for even letting it come to this!
	__________________ If i cant be a good example, let me be a horrible warning.

10-17-2009, 08:50 PM	#12
spunkygirl Member Moderator Forum Celebrity Join Date: Apr 26, 2003 Posts: 21,563	Doesn't look good: http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/...-negotiations/

10-21-2009, 03:59 PM	#13
DebbieDeb Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 13, 2009 Location: Pine Valley, CA Posts: 11	He makes 7 figures. my guess is that they'll use that money to bring in young, 'cheap' talent. such a shame. he'll be missed.

10-21-2009, 05:35 PM	#14
MickeyMac Member Forum Star Join Date: Jun 18, 2008 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 19,008	If their ratins dip, they will be working with Braedon on some kind of deal.

10-22-2009, 05:09 AM	#15
80sTrivia Member Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 23, 2002 Posts: 21,714	After yesterday's episode, where Victor proved once again in his confrotation with Ashley that he is incapable of changing or becoming a better person even when he has been given a second chance to live after creating the events that caused Colleen's death, proves the character is without redemption, soul or remorse. Once an abusive, controlling misogynist, always an abusive, controlling misognynist. There's no salvation for him and thus, no where else to go.