Longtime The Young and the Restless star Eric Braeden has been forced to defend his leaving the hit soap opera. There has been much talk about his status on the series and whether or not he will be staying or going. Yet, what is the truth, and what is pure fiction? Keep reading for more details on the situation and to learn what Eric had to say.
Eric Braeden Forced To Defend Leaving Show
Rumors circulating about soap opera stars can be just as dramatic and interesting as the storylines themselves. It can go either way for the actors. Sometimes they will stay silent and pay no attention to what has been said about them and their loves. Then, other times, they will address it head-on to take the elephant out of the room. Such is the case with The Young and the Restless fan favorite Eric Braeden, who has been on the soap for over forty years. Rumors of him leaving or retiring have circulated for some time, and now, the eighty-four-year-old feels he is forced to defend himself once and for all.
Back in October 2025, it was stated on social media that he was exiting the soap. This was from a fan site and not verified information. Now, in 2024, Eric made it clear he would not be going anywhere. That should have laid the rumors to rest, but it did not. It also did not help that he battled bladder cancer, so some may have felt he was slowing down. He has been in remission and is beyond grateful for this next chance at life. Additionally, Eric has had some physical ailments, but when he saw the exit rumors, he chimed in with these words:
“SIMPLY NOT TRUE.”
That is all Eric Braeden has had to say. He has said it once, but he appears to have to keep repeating it. The Young and the Restless star is here to stay. More so, he will be on the show until he opts to leave, so everyone needs to cut it with the false allegations.
On His Own Terms
When the Bredenbek, Germany native Eric Braeden is ready to retire, he will likely tell his fans firsthand. After his Young and the Restless fans saw his clapback, they immediately chimed in. They have heard the constant allegations that he is retiring or done with the show. However, he has spoken, and it is not fair that he has to be the one to constantly defend his status. At the same time, being such a fan favorite comes with certain responsibilities that he may or may not care for. Of course, soap fans were thrilled he was sticking around:
- They will have to pry Victor Newman from EB’s cold dead hands.
- There is no Young and the Restless without Victor Newman. Eric is still in great shape for his age. He’s gonna be around for a few more years. We can have this discussion when he gets into his 90s not now
- I cannot imagine this soap without him.
Are you happy that Eric Braeden has cleared the air, and do you love him on the soap? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.
