Victor Newman (born Christian Miller) is a fictional character from the American CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. He has been portrayed by Eric Braeden since 1980. Initially a guest character who was to last for eight to twelve weeks, Victor has evolved into the soap opera 's leading male figure. Created by William J. Bell as a "despicable, contemptible, unfaithful wife abuser '', the character was planned to be killed off and never heard of again. However, after Bell saw Braeden 's performance, he decided to sign the actor onto a contract. Braeden was hesitant to work on a soap opera, but eventually signed a contract, and has remained on the series as a regular cast member for a total of thirty - seven years. The character is widely described as ruthless, and while loving to those he holds dear, is considered a villain. Over the years, he has also been the center of several controversial plots and relationships.
when did victor start on young and restless
1980