Eric Braeden has made candid remarks about his early experience with Titanic, revealing that he was initially dismissive of the opportunity to work with James Cameron. The actor also recalled a negative encounter during the casting process, which further discouraged him. His recent comments offer a behind-the-scenes look at how he eventually came on board the film.
Eric Braeden talks about his experience on James Cameron’s Titanic
The Young and the Restless veteran has opened up about his experience working on the Academy Award-winning film, revealing that he was initially unwilling to take on the role. However, he reconsidered after repeated encouragement from his family.
Reflecting on the process, Eric Braeden said during his recent appearance on Steve Kmetko’s Still Here Hollywood podcast. “I didn’t want to do it,” he shared, adding that both his wife and son urged him, “‘You’ve got to work with James Cameron.’ I said, ‘I don’t give a s— about James Cameron.’”
Despite reading the script, Braeden remained unconvinced, noting that the role of John Jacob Astor IV “wasn’t big” and did not immediately interest him. His first casting experience further discouraged him.
Recalling the meeting, the 85-year-old thespian said he arrived on time but the casting director was late and dismissive. After a rude encounter with her, Braeden walked out. He later described the casting director as an “arrogant b—-,” adding that he told his agency, “Don’t ever, ever, ever send me to some bulls— like that again.”
However, weeks later, Eric Braeden was contacted again and informed that James Cameron wanted to meet him. During this stage, he learned more about the role he would portray and returned for another interaction. Moreover, Braeden bumped into the same casting director, who had him “read two lines” for the camera.
The Rat Patrol alum later explained that the audition itself proved “unnecessary,” stating that Cameron was already familiar with his earlier work in Colossus: The Forbin Project. He said, “So he was a big fan of it and that’s why I did.”
Looking back, Braeden said he is glad he accepted the role in Titanic. He described Cameron as a “genius,” an “extremely bright man,” and “a joy to work [with].” The German-American actor also spoke positively about co-stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, calling them “very nice.”
Furthermore, Eric Braeden divulged that he had limited scenes in the movie as he was also filming for Y&R simultaneously. Notably, he has essayed Victor Newman on the long-running soap opera since 1980. Meanwhile, Titanic became a cult classic upon its release in December 1997, also winning 11 Academy Awards.
