"Rest in Peace, my friend"— Eric Braeden of The Young and the Restless honors late friend who urged him to join the soap opera

Eric Braeden, beloved for his role on The Young and the Restless, recently took a moment on social media to share his heartfelt sorrow over the loss of his friend, Dabney Coleman. It was Dabney who nudged Eric towards joining the soap opera, a decision that would shape his acting journey. Eric Braeden from The Young and the Restless bid farewell to a friendship that deeply enriched his life in a simple yet profoundly touching message.

"My old friend, Dabney Coleman, just passed! Upon his recommendation did I decide to do Y&R! Dabney was 92! A great actor, great friend and tennis player! REST IN PEACE, my friend!!!," Eric Braeden wrote in his Instagram tribute.

This post by Eric Braeden from The Young and the Restless highlighted the pivotal role Dabney played in Eric's life and career. Dabney Coleman, known for his roles in films like 9 to 5 and Tootsie, was remembered by Eric not just as a great actor but as a cherished friend and tennis partner.

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Remembering Dabney Coleman: Memories shared by The Young and the Restless's Eric Braeden

Dabney Coleman's career spanned decades, marked by his memorable portrayals of often antagonistic characters in both film and television. Yet, to those who knew him personally, like Eric Braeden from The Young and The Restless, he was much more.

Dabney nudged Eric to take a shot at a part in The Young and the Restless, showing how much of a good friend he was. In an interview from 2020, Eric remembered thinking about taking the millionaire role during tennis with his friend, Dabney, who told him, "Do it. You'll enjoy it."

In the early 1970s, Coleman played Dr. Tracy Graham on Bright Promise. Even though Coleman had his own experience with soaps, Braeden didn't immediately like it. However, as his character developed more depth, thanks to co-creator William J. Bell, Braeden began to enjoy it.

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Fellow co-stars pay heartfelt tribute to Dabney Coleman

Lily Tomlin, who worked with Coleman in 9 to 5 with Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton, spoke warmly about how much they adored him. She fondly recalled a special scene they shared, which showed their fun and friendship.

Morgan Fairchild, known for her roles in Falcon Crest and Friends, remembered Coleman not just as a great actor but also as a wonderful person. Their personal connection in the '80s was a testament to how much he was adored by those who knew him off-screen.

"This town has lost one of a kind!," her tribute mentioned.

Ben Stiller praised Coleman's unparalleled talent in portraying character roles. Stiller remarked on how Coleman essentially created or defined a unique archetype for character actors.

"He was so good at what he did it's hard to imagine movies and television of the last 40 years without him," Ben Stiller wrote on X.

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Dabney Coleman's career began in the 1960s, but it was his role as a corrupt mayor in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman in 1976 that marked his breakthrough. His diverse filmography includes roles in WarGames, You've Got Mail, and The Towering Inferno. Coleman's talent was recognized with a Golden Globe for The Slap Maxwell Story and an Emmy for Sworn To Silence.

Dabney Coleman shone in Boardwalk Empire, winning two Screen Actors Guild Awards for his work. Throughout his career, he picked up lots of Emmy and Golden Globe nods too.