Eric Braeden’s Emotional Tribute: How the ‘Y&R’ Icon Celebrated Prince’s Genius After His Passing

2016 was a year of heartbreak for music fans around the world, as we lost several iconic figures in the industry. Among them was the legendary Prince, who tragically passed away on April 21, 2016. His death left a void not just in the music world but in the hearts of millions of fans. One of those fans was Eric Braeden, beloved actor and star of The Young and the Restless, known for his iconic portrayal of Victor Newman.
Braeden, like so many others, was deeply moved by the loss of Prince, a musical genius whose innovative sound and boundless talent had shaped the landscape of pop, rock, and R&B. But what made Braeden’s tribute to Prince so special was the way he chose to honor the legend-by dancing to one of Prince’s most famous hits, “Kiss.”
Shortly after the news of Prince’s death broke, the world saw an outpouring of tributes from stars across various fields, including fellow soap stars like Karla Mosley and Michelle Stafford, as well as talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. The loss was felt deeply across the entertainment industry, with General Hospital star Sonya Eddy expressing the collective heartbreak in a tweet: “Michael, Whitney, Glenn and now, out of nowhere, my Sweet #Prince. I just can’t… #RIPPrince.”

Eric Braeden, who has captivated audiences for decades with his portrayal of the powerful Victor Newman, has always been vocal about his love for music. Known for his eclectic taste, which ranges from opera to country, Braeden has frequently shared his musical preferences with fans. He once humorously retorted to a fan who challenged him to rap, saying, “Hahahahahahahaha! You’d NEVER listen to it again!!! GIVE ME WILLIE AND THE HIGHWAY MEN, hahahaha! Or so many others! Too many to count! I have a very eclectic taste in music from opera to KD Lang, from WILLIE to PAVAROTTI, ELVIS to ARETHA, from MUDDY WATERS to JS BACH! But rap?”
It was no surprise, then, that when the news of Prince’s passing broke, Braeden would pay tribute in his own unique way. On social media, he posted a heartfelt tribute to the musical icon, writing, “Celebrating a genius! #RIPPrince,” alongside a video of himself grooving to the beat of Prince’s 1986 hit, “Kiss.” This song had been a number one hit on the Billboard charts during its release, further cementing Prince’s place as one of the most influential artists of his time.
In the video, Braeden’s love for the music was clear. Despite being known for his serious on-screen persona, Braeden couldn’t help but let loose, dancing in his car to the infectious rhythm of “Kiss.” His impromptu tribute captured the essence of what Prince’s music represented-joy, energy, and a deep connection to the rhythm of life.
For Braeden, Prince wasn’t just a musical icon; he was an artist whose creativity and innovation transcended genres. As the world mourned the loss of one of music’s greatest figures, Braeden’s tribute served as a reminder of Prince’s lasting impact, not just as a performer, but as a force who brought people together through the universal language of music.

As Braeden danced in tribute to Prince, fans across the globe did the same, remembering the genius who redefined music for an entire generation. Prince’s influence lives on through his songs, his kindness, and the countless lives he touched. And for Eric Braeden, it was his own personal way of celebrating a genius, forever remembering the extraordinary artist who will never be forgotten.