Victor Newman, portrayed by Eric Braeden, has become synonymous with resilience and triumph on The Young and the Restless.
As the ruthless mogul of the Newman family, Victor’s life has been filled with battles, both personal and professional, and yet, he always finds a way to come out on top.
While the character’s complexity and cunning know no bounds,
it’s his ability to emerge victorious in seemingly impossible situations that has cemented his status as one of Genoa City’s most iconic figures.
Here’s a look at five defining moments where Victor Newman triumphed, proving time and again that no one is safe when he’s on a mission.
1. The Orphan Who Became a King
Victor’s journey from poverty to power is one of the most compelling aspects of his character. Born Christian Miller to parents who could not afford to raise him, Victor’s mother abandoned him at an orphanage on Christmas Eve. The rejection could have been the end of his story, but instead, it was just the beginning. Fueled by a desire to never be vulnerable again, Victor reinvented himself. He rose from his humble beginnings, becoming a self-made billionaire, and even changed his name to Victor Newman—a nod to his complete transformation. Victor’s painful past shaped him into the formidable man he is today, and it serves as a reminder that he is always playing the long game.
2. The Rats in the Basement
Victor’s ruthless tactics are a defining feature of his persona. When he first appeared on Y&R, his role was meant to be a short-term one, with the character set to be killed off by his wife, Julia (Meg Bennett). But after Victor’s first few scenes, the writers realized they had a gem on their hands and decided to keep him around. In one of his early storylines, Victor imprisoned Julia’s lover, Michael Scott (Nick Benedict), in his basement and forced him to eat rats to survive. This grim move set the tone for the kind of villain Victor would become, showing just how far he was willing to go to maintain control.
Victor’s infamous basement would later be used again when he imprisoned Aunt Jordan (Colleen Zenk), reinforcing the idea that he never forgets those who wrong him. The soundproof walls and steel bars in his basement dungeon were a symbol of his unyielding power and the lengths to which he would go to keep his enemies silent.
3. The Fiery Crash That Wasn’t
Victor’s controlling nature often leads to conflicts with his family, especially his daughter, Victoria (Amelia Heinle). After a series of intense confrontations, including a physical altercation with rival Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman), Victor decided to leave Genoa City for a while. However, while driving through the Midwest, Victor’s car veered off a cliff and burst into flames. Many believed Victor had met his end in the fiery crash—after all, he had been carjacked, and his assailant was the one who perished in the accident.
But this was Victor Newman, and death was never going to be his final chapter. He survived the crash and found his way to the farm of Hope Adams (Signy Coleman), whom he eventually married. Their relationship may not have lasted, but the experience further reinforced the idea that Victor is indestructible.
4. Rebuilding the Iconic Newman Ranch
When Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) set fire to the Newman Ranch in 2012, it seemed as though the iconic home would be lost forever. For decades, the ranch had been a symbol of the Newman family and a fixture of Y&R’s most beloved storylines. The fire destroyed the beloved set, leaving Victor and Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) in an unfamiliar and underwhelming new home.
But as with all things Victor, this setback was only temporary. After more than a decade of waiting, Y&R fans were treated to a heartwarming surprise when Victor rebuilt the Newman Ranch, restoring it to its former glory. The new ranch was not just a gift for Nikki—it was a testament to Victor’s relentless determination to preserve his legacy. This grand gesture was a way of showing that even when life burns down the foundations of what you hold dear, it’s never the end.
5. The Ultimate Return: “I Will Crush You”
One of Victor’s most iconic moments came when he faked his death, and Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) seized the opportunity to take over as the top businessman in Genoa City. Jack’s assumption that he could replace Victor was his biggest mistake. Victor’s dramatic return was nothing short of legendary. When Jack walked into Victor’s office, he was shocked to see the chair slowly turn around, revealing that the “dead” mogul was alive and well.
With his return, Victor didn’t just reclaim his place at the top; he made it clear that Jack’s reign was over. “I’m your worst nightmare,” Victor declared, a line that sent chills through the audience. His return was a reminder that nothing—not even death—could keep Victor Newman down. This triumphant moment solidified Victor as the ultimate survivor, always ready to rise from the ashes stronger than ever.
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