<P> 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 . </P>
<P> 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 . </P>
when did victor start on young and restless
when did victor start on young and restless
1980
1980