Y&R Viewers: Could Victor Newman (played by Eric Braeden) use a little more RANGE in his acting performance?

Here is a link for Victor Newman / Eric Braeden:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Newm...

Now I know this character is a good guy (for the most part) and that he oozes credibility, decorum, and integrity...and that he has a strong following in the Soap Opera community of fans. And I really don't have a big problem with him...EXCEPT...

...he is always the same. He always speaks with that low, hushed voice of his and is always SO so serious about everything. I cannot recall a time that I saw him laugh, smile big or show his teeth. I saw him lose his temper once and I got so excited I almost WET myself in astonishment. Wow! He is actually showing a new emotion!

I personally just get a little worn out with the super-serious character with impeccable integrity that they have written in for him. And he, as an actor, I think should try to show a little more range and variation in his voice and his presentation on camera.

Do you agree or disagree, and why?

I amno stranger to the stage or screen, having cast, produced and directed a number of productions and as a financier to the entertainment industry. That being said, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Casting and acting is not a precise science. So I appreciate everyone's right to rate things how they see them.

I would hire Eric to act in any one of my films, if the role were right for him. I have met him on several occasions because I'm well acquainted with Lee Bell, and he's very professional and low-key. I haven't watched Y&R for several years just due to lack of time; always either on set or working at other stuff, but I remember Eric having a great range when the material he was playing called for it.

I'd cast entire features with daytime people if I could get away with it. I think they're some of the best actors with the hardest work ethics. Eric is pretty high on a list of good, talented people as far as I'm concerned.

I do agree that he cannot act. I have always thought the same thing, that he is very one dimensional. I have never really thought of him as a man of character on the show like others do. He married a stripper and then ditched her for I don't know how many women. He is never involved with his children until they grow up. He is so demanding and belittling. And he does it all in the same exact voice and facial expressions. But, this is a soap, so I guess we can't expect too much.

They probably have Victor be like that so nobody will mess with him. He can be very intimidating. I have seen him smile.. when he was talking with his dog. And also when he talks with Noah. We're used to the way Victor is and would probably think it was strange if he started talking in a different tone. My husband talks very loud (he's a retired Marine) and I'd give anything for him to talk low like Victor!

You are so right!
I've always wondered why people say what an incredible actor he is.
Even when he's supposedly extremely angry, the only way you can tell that he is, is that he will raise his voice a few notches.
Not by the expressions on his face or even his body language for that matter!

And (as you pointed out) he hardly ever smiles, laughs, cries or even show any emotion when he should.
He always has such a dead pan look on his face.
I have been watching Y&R for many years and I don't believe I have ever actually seen a real smile or even a grin on his face, and just recently I finally saw a tear, but that's about it.

I also agree with you. I really think that the bomb will exposed soon. To much tension right now. I love the character he portrays for some reason or another he has charisma. It really gets me when there is a episode when he gets teary eyed. Did you know that Eric Braeden is from Greece ?

I think he is payed big bucks to act that why.

well I think he has jerk down pat.... but he is pretty boring!

He's never been one of my faves. I think he's all puffed up with his own importance. I can remember seeing him in movies and a TV show from way back playing a German soldier. He speaks way too low. I think it's all about some sort of a scary image he's trying to maintain going back to his movie days of playing the German soldier or whatever German character it was.

I haven't watched the show in awhile but I do know what you're talking about. It would be nice to see some kind of range.....Have him do a total freak out, bust a gut laughing, go on a silly string rampage or something....

But, low, and hushed seems to have worked for him this long.

He is a business man , they tend to be serious the majority of the time . I like him alot ,he plays the part well .
He has smiled from time to time . That low husked voice is what makes Victor himself .

First off, Victor is not and never has been a good guy, EVER. Second I don't care for his (EB) acting at all. He mumbles all the time and it's difficult to understand him and not because of his accent. Third he plays the same, day in and day out. Hard to believe someone(EB) can be so popular (not with me, never liked him) when his acting is less then mediocre.

Victor is so serious!!!" He built that business from the ground you know?"lol,,,, you must have missed it the other day when he was holding his grandson talking all sweet and even smiled,,,{{ couldn't see his teeth because of the mustache}}I think that's why he reeks of credibility,,his mean Demeter scares everyone (but jack) as far as his voice???he speaks in a very monotone voice,,like Bob Newhart did.Victor can be as Good as he is Bad.

I agree with you! I wonder if he is that way in real life! I can't imagine him any other way but serious.