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by Kelley Jarvis
October 19, 2009

To paraphrase former President Richard Nixon, the powers that be at Bell Productions will soon be unable to kick veteran Y&R actor Eric Braeden around. News reports indicate that the actor is finished with the show where he's portrayed ruthless, mumbling business tycoon Victor Newman for the better part of thirty years. Braeden reportedly wanted a seven figure salary and during contract negotiations, the suits refused to give in.

Is it blatant disrespect and discourtesy or is the actor suffering an inflated sense of importance? Perhaps he's royally miffed because castmate Melody Thomas Scott managed to get the salary she requested to remain in the role of Nikki Newman. Braeden must note that Thomas Scott's hubby is one of the players behind the scenes, so it would be easy to assume that her needs would be met. I know the old line about assuming, "When you assume, you make an ass out of you and me," but if TPTB are indeed playing favorites, I can see where Eric would get the bikini men's briefs he once wore for a photo shoot in a bind.

Obviously, I'm playing devil's advocate because I don't know what has transpired behind closed doors. In my non-humble opinion, I think it's time for Mr. Braeden to join the real world and realize that we're experiencing a recession that's taking a toll on everyone, not just daytime TV actors and actresses.

Due to economic reasons and a lack of core viewers, the once solid industry of daytime TV is hurting badly. Downsizing has been going on with virtually all of the programs at the three major networks NBC, ABC and the home of Y&R, CBS. Other actors and actresses have had to take cuts in pay while some longstanding stars including Dedra Hall formerly of NBC, have been let go due to the downsizing. Some shows have disappeared altogether, notably "Guiding Light." They filmed outdoors using less expensive, AKA cheap techniques while cast members did their own makeup, possibly in their cars while on location.

This is hardly the time for an actor to grumble, bitch and moan about not getting a seven figure salary! If the current trend of viewers becoming disinterested in soaps, the long-running staple of daytime TV will soon disappear with the spaces vacated by shows being filled with reality TV programs or game shows.

Some fans of Y&R express indifference to Braeden leaving the fictional Genoa City and express that they would like to see the part recast. Others think that Bell Productions is committing professional suicide by allowing him to leave. A visitor to the GCNews Bulletin Board mentioned a good point recently, stating that if TPTB would stop spending huge amounts of time and money on the "teenybopper" crowd with teenage characters that inspire little interest with adult viewers and would instead concentrate on the core adult players, perhaps ratings would go up and more money would eventually be available for the stars' salaries.

Unless the above mentioned action takes place, Mr. Braeden may have a hard time finding employment, even with his many years of onscreen experience and his fan base. Future employers could very well perceive him as difficult and that is the last thing an actor seeking a job needs in times of economic hardship. The choice to quit Y&R was ultimately Braeden's and I wish him the best of luck. He may need it.

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