It’s been an incredible 45 years since Eric Braeden first appeared as the legendary Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless, and to honor this milestone, his co-stars have come together with heartfelt messages and never-before-seen photos of the iconic actor.

Melody Thomas Scott, who plays Nikki Newman, kicked things off with a sweet tribute, reflecting on their decades-long on-screen and off-screen bond. Joshua Morrow, who portrays Victor’s eldest son Nick, called Braeden the “Michael Jordan of daytime” and expressed his admiration for the soap legend, celebrating their 30 years of working together.

Melissa Ordway (Abby Newman) also shared her love, describing how their father-daughter relationship on-screen mirrors their genuine friendship in real life. Mark Grossman, who plays the complex and often rebellious Adam Newman, praised Braeden for his mentorship and called it an honor to play his son on the show. Even The Young and the Restless’s newest cast members, Allison Lanier (Summer) and Haley Erin (Claire), joined in to celebrate the man who has carried the Newman legacy for nearly five decades.

Braeden himself took to social media to express his gratitude, deeply moved by the outpouring of love from his co-stars and fans. From his early acting days in Rat Patrol and Gunsmoke to his unforgettable role in Titanic, his career has spanned decades, cementing his place as a true Hollywood legend.

To celebrate this incredible achievement, take a trip down memory lane with rare photos from his past. And don’t forget to wish Eric Braeden a happy 45th anniversary in the comments!