Is 'The Young and the Restless' (Y&R) star Eric Braeden aka Victor Newman quitting the show?

CBS' daytime soap "The Young and the Restless" is all about power struggle between the Abbots and the Newmans, and actor Eric Braeden, whose character Victor Newman is the head of the Newman family, is going to be a part of the show for a long time.

Rumours have been swirling around that Braeden – who has been part of the show since 1980 – is getting ready to throw in the towel. However, the actor has no desire to do that.

In a recent interview with The Charlotte Observer, the 74-year-old actor said retirement to him is death. The progressing age is also not a hurdle, the actor said.

"I don't give a s--- about getting older. I really don't. I feel (great). And that's why working out is so important. That's why this is still important: boom-boom-boom. (Braeden throws three quick jabs as he talks). ... I'm 74, I'm proud of it – very proud of it – and will compete along a lot of lines with a lot of people. The only pain in the a-- about getting older is your hips. I have one resurfaced hip," the actor added.

Although Victor Newman is an iconic character on "The Young and the Restless", he doesn't believe the show will sink if he departs. "I have met so many actors over the years who've said, Without me, this show would be nothing. ... And where are they now?" the actor questioned. 

"Don't ever assume that without you, the show will go down the drain. Bull----. It doesn't. Are you kidding? Oh, this can't be done without so-and-so playing the part. Then they leave and we say, Well, not quite the same, but oh well."

"The Young and the Restless" is aired Monday to Friday on CBS.