<P> Fralic also described the character as being "quixotic", who is "deeply layered with arrogance and angst, imbued with all the failings and bravado that a true villain possesses, his dastardly deeds leaving him most recently responsible not only for the death of his own heart donor, but for the near - death of his granddaughter Summer from peanut poisoning". She also noted that he's been jailed, thrown in a psychiatric ward and shot, had amnesia, epilepsy among other events, but "like all villains worth their salt, he's survived it all and inspired respect, if not adoration". Braeden describes the character as "the villain" and as "defensive and always self - protective", stating that he's "not here to win a popularity contest". He stated that he enjoys portraying Victor "more than anything", also describing him as "very complex". Braeden said that "he fought himself to the position he arrived at a number of years ago", and that "he obviously doesn't suffer fools easily, doesn't suffer enemies easily . He wants relationships badly, but doesn't quite trust them . It's a tragic flaw in him because of his childhood ." The actor, comparing himself to the character, noted that he is nothing like Victor, stating: "Money makes a lot of things happen for Victor . My God almighty, that's something else that I, Eric Braeden, would never do . I always confront things directly . But when that doesn't work for Victor, he gets out his wallet (...) If you are abusive to him, he will be abusive to you . No one gets away with that . I will not allow anyone to cross that line with the character ." </P> <P> In June 2011, Michael Logan of TV Guide felt that Victor was "pushing it with the fans", stating: "The megalomaniacal patriarch earned considerable viewer backlash last month when he threw his ex-wife (Diane) from the back of an ambulance and left her bruised and bloodied ." In an interview with Logan, Braeden stated that Victor "doesn't give a shit" and "he doesn't take any shit", saying that is "the whole point of the character". The actor also stated he does not like women defeating Victor, admitting that he wasn't pleased in a 2003 scene where his daughter Victoria (portrayed by Heather Tom) slaps him . </P> <P> For over three decades, Victor has been romantically linked with Nikki Reed (Melody Thomas Scott). Nikki was originally from the lower walks of life, having been a stripper . After multiple failed relationships, she began a romance with Victor, who taught her about society . They fall in love and have a child, Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle), and later a son, Nicholas Newman (Joshua Morrow). The couple are widely considered a supercouple within the soap opera media . The writers of The Young and the Restless detailed their characters to marry and divorce or depart from each other in some form or fashion in a continuous cycle, which is a take on the original supercouple formula . Soap Opera Digest relayed the beginning of the pairing's creation and their impact, described as an "inspired decision", led to Victor and Nikki becoming the series' most successful supercouple . In an interview with Dose magazine, Scott said that the couple always has to get back together, but not without a challenge . </P> <P> Victor and Nikki are recognized as one of daytime television's most prominent couples . They have also garnered a large fan following, dubbed "Niktor" by viewers . In addition, the couple's weddings have been reported by mainstream media . Scott has said: "Let's face facts: Victor and Nikki will always be a huge dynamic, they've been in a circular cycle for over 30 years! Finding a new leading man that you have chemistry with is like finding gold ." In a 1994 interview with The Los Angeles Times, the newspaper reported that Victor's relationship with Nikki had "registered an enduring appeal among viewers", with Braeden replying that, "Arguably, it's the idea of this incredibly powerful, wealthy man taking a woman who comes from the wrong side of the tracks into his life, and shaping her and forming her more to his liking . But, of course, no one can shape or form anyone, she remains who she is, has retained her strength, and that causes conflict ." In other interviews, Braeden stated that he loves working with Scott and that he "always thought it was an honestly felt love story with great material for conflict with Nikki". He also stated in an interview that he considers Victor's storylines with Nikki to be some of his favorites . Discussing Victor and Nikki's union, former As the World Turns actress Martha Byrne stated: "Young and Restless' Victor and Nikki are the perfect example of a couple who they can tear apart and put back together how many times? And (the writers) do it really well because they're so stable as characters that you can basically do anything with them now, and the audience will go on the journey with them ." The Museum of Television and Radio wrote: "Combined with a series of social - issue storylines covering everything from AIDS to date rape to the plight of the elderly, as well as featuring a group of popular young African - American characters, and several long - term romantic and professional relationships, Victor and Nikki's love story has kept viewers enthralled for many years ." They also described their relationship as being a "dominant force" in the soap opera . Daytime journalist Michael Fairman stated: "Victor and Nikki just can't, we mean can't, ever get it together long enough to find any happiness with each other . So, many would say that they deserve each other and the baggage and betrayals that come along with their co-dependent relationship ." </P>

Who played victor newman's father on the young and the restless