HOLLYWOOD—This week’s leading men gold standard goes to two handsome, talented and powerful actors, who always make viewers feel their character’s wrath. Eric Braeden, who portrays Victor Newman on “The Young and the Restless” and Jack Wagner, who portrays Nick Marone on “The Bold and the Beautiful” are men who can show vulnerability whenever it suits the storyline, but viewers love when they are playing powerful moguls who protect their loved ones and crush their enemies. Wagner has a complexity as an actor that makes him unforgettable, and Braeden’s performance, like fine wine just gets better over time.
Eric Braeden’s Victor was defiant this week, when he stood his ground to protect his family. He was also vulnerable when it came to watching his beloved Nikki fall back into her alcoholism. Victor was very nervous and hesitant to confront his soon-to-be wife again, when their housekeeper told him that liquor was missing. The man who helms a multi-billion dollar conglomerate was a little hesitant to believe his servant’s story, but when he witnessed Nikki’s erratic behavior, he knew something was wrong with her.
Eric Braeden goes from start to finish in a scene controlling every emotion that he has to harness and utilize. He’s never overly or under dramatic when playing a scene. He’s always perfect.
Jack Wagner’s, Nick spent the week dealing with the fallout of the baby scandal at Jackie M Designs. After his wife Bridget, played brilliantly by Ashley Jones gave birth to a baby by Nick’s stepfather, Nick decided it was time to distance himself and his company from the scandal. He ousted Bridget as head-designer, hired Amber Moore, then he fired his stepfather and his own mother was demoted. Nick also is involved with Aggie, who was once a surrogate to him and Bridget. Nick is a handsome guy, who has his pick of the ladies in L.A., but what makes him so attractive to female viewers is the fact that he takes control of every situation.
Jack Wagner may play a character that must always be in control, but he plays it with the same impact. Such a brilliant actor, Jack is simply put, dazzling to watch! The show is so exciting when Nick and Jack are on the front burner.
“B&B” and “Y&R” both air weekdays on CBS.
Photographs Courtesy: Eric Braeden by Monty Brinton for CBS and Jack Wagner by Gilles Toucas, Bell Phillip TV Productions
