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For over four decades, the legendary Victor Newman has reigned supreme—not just over Genoa City but across the entire soap world. The iconic character, brought to life by Eric Braeden, has become a household name on Young and the Restless.
Whether he’s crushing his business rivals, orchestrating jaw-dropping schemes, or pulling off shocking comebacks from the brink of death, The Mustache’s legacy continues to dominate even after all these years. As Braeden celebrates an incredible 45 years on the sudser, let’s look back and relive some of Victor’s wildest, most unforgettable moments on the show.
1. Victor’s First Kidnapping
Victor Newman debuted in Genoa City in 1980, arriving with his wife, Julia Newman, to help Katherine Chancellor run Chancellor Industries. While Victor focused on work, Julia grew lonely and connected with photographer Michael Scott.
When Julia became pregnant, Victor suspected Michael was the father. In a jealous rage, Victor trapped Michael in a bomb shelter. After a violent confrontation, Julia miscarried. A blood test later revealed Victor was the baby’s father, but the damage was done—Julia left town with Michael.
2. His Kansas Love Story
In 1993, Victor Newman was presumed dead after a car accident but was later found in Leavenworth, Kansas, where he rescued Hope Adams from a rapist. He stayed on her farm, and they fell in love. They married in 1994, breaking Nikki Newman’s heart.
When Hope became pregnant, doctors warned their child could inherit her blindness. Victor suggested an abortion, but Hope refused. Their relationship strained, and she returned to Kansas, where she gave birth to their son, Victor Adam Newman Jr. The couple later divorced.
3. Victor’s Stolen Sperm
Victor Newman’s powerful status in Genoa City led some women to go to extreme lengths to have his child. In the 90s, after getting a vasectomy, Victor preserved his sperm. Diane Jenkins, still in love with him, faked being his wife to get inseminated, unaware that Ashley Abbott also used the sperm to conceive. Nikki Newman secretly switched Diane’s sample with Jack Abbott’s, resulting in the birth of Kyle Abbott. Meanwhile, Ashley gave birth to Victor’s daughter, Abby Newman.
4. His Depression Over Sabrina’s Death
In 2008, Victor Newman fell into a deep depression after the tragic death of his wife, Sabrina Costelana. Their romance began when Sabrina, an art curator, visited Genoa City to see Victoria Newman. She and Victor bonded over their shared love of art, but their relationship strained Sabrina’s friendship with Victoria.
After Sabrina became pregnant, she and Victor married. Tragically, she was involved in a fatal car accident. On her deathbed, she reconciled with Victoria. Grief-stricken after her passing, Victor withdrew from his family and struggled to cope with his loss.
5. Victor’s Quickie Marriage to Daughter-in-Law
Another wtf moment of Victor Newman on Young and the Restless was when he married his former daughter-in-law, Sharon. Originally, they married so Victor could protect his assets while in jail for allegedly killing Diane Jenkins.
The two remained together even after Victor went missing. At the time, Sharon ended up running his company, Newman Enterprises. She also took control of the ranch and even called off the search for Victor, who was presumed dead. Later, Victor showed up alive and kicking. He then reunited with Nikki and ended things with Sharon. They had their wedding annulled.
6. Victor Replaced Jack With Look-Alike
Victor Newman’s time on Young and the Restless would never be complete without his never-ending feud with Jack Abbott. Their rivalry reached a peak when Victor orchestrated Jack’s kidnapping and replaced him with a look-alike, Marco Annicelli. The fake Jack allowed Victor to merge Newman Enterprises and Jabot Cosmetics, turning it into one big powerhouse, Newman-Abbott.
Marco took advantage of his new life as Jack Abbott, spending a fortune and even sleeping with Phyllis Summers. Later, Victor regretted his scheme after Marco began spiraling out of control. He took action and had one of Marco’s ears cut off to prevent him from impersonating Jack again. He then had him returned to a prison in Peru, where he was supposedly killed by an inmate.
7. The Mustache Behind Bars
In yet another shocking twist, Victor Newman was convicted for his role in kidnapping Jack Abbott and replacing him with Marco Annicelli. In 2016, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but he was able to devise a plan to have it reduced to six months of jail time and two years of community service.
Eric Braeden’s character is, without a doubt, a force to be reckoned with. Love him or hate him, Young and the Restless will always be synonymous with Victor Newman.
