The Young and the Restless fans love behind-the-scenes confessions, and Roger Howarth just delivered a juicy one. The soap legend admits he felt real fear before stepping onto the stage with daytime royalty. His nerves kicked in fast, and his reason will surprise many longtime viewers.
The Young and the Restless: The Moment Roger Realized Eric Braeden Was a Different Beast
Roger Howarth has worked with many heavy hitters across daytime. He has faced Emmy winners, powerhouse performers, and intense scene partners throughout his career. Yet nothing hit him as hard as the idea of sharing space with Eric Braeden. The thought alone pushed him into panic mode before filming even began.
He shared that the fear started long before their first scene. He met Eric backstage and instantly felt the weight of Victor Newman’s legacy. Roger says he was struck by Eric’s presence and power. The man carried a reputation stronger than most soap icons. That reputation made Roger feel small for the first time in a long time.
The Soap Titan Aura That Sent Him Into Overdrive
Roger admits he knew Eric’s history well. The Young and the Restless shaped daytime for decades with Victor at its center. Working with that level of authority unsettled him. Roger believed one wrong move might expose him as unprepared. That fear created real pressure during his first days at the studio.
But once they spoke, Roger’s nerves eased. Eric greeted him with warmth and humor. Roger realized the giant he feared was completely approachable. That moment helped him gain confidence. Their connection formed quickly, showing how legends often carry more kindness than expected.
From Fear to Fun: How Their First Scene Changed Everything
Their on-screen showdown arrived faster than Roger expected. He walked in tense but left buzzing from the experience. He calls Eric a “terrific actor” who elevates every scene. That shift surprised him because his fear had built so much pressure beforehand. Working with Eric felt like a gift once the cameras rolled.
Roger says their first scenes were intense in the best way. Victor Newman’s energy demanded focus, and Roger matched it with full force. By the end, he felt proud, relieved, and excited for future clashes. The tension he imagined never came true. Instead, he found a collaborator who pushed him toward sharper work.
The Young and the Restless: A Shared Hobby That Broke the Ice
What truly sealed their newfound bond was soccer. Roger is a massive fan, and Eric’s early soccer career is well documented. Before acting, Eric won championships and became a known figure in American soccer circles. That history intimidated Roger even more at first.
Their mutual love for the sport became the perfect bridge. They connected instantly once the topic came up. Roger says the conversation felt natural and fun. That bond gave them fresh energy on set. Now, their shared passion continues to strengthen their off-camera relationship as their characters clash on screen.
Roger Howarth’s fear of working with Eric Braeden reveals how powerful legends can feel inside the world of The Young and the Restless. His nerves turned into admiration, and that shift created a dynamic fans now enjoy on screen. For more daytime scoops, stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily.