Eric Braeden Almost Turned Down Role in Titanic

Veteran actor Eric Braeden has revealed he nearly missed out on a role in the 1997 blockbuster Titanic, a decision he now sees as a potential mistake.

Braeden, best known for The Young and the Restless, played wealthy passenger John Jacob Astor IV in the film. However, he initially turned down the chance to audition because he felt the role was too small and said he was unfamiliar with director James Cameron at the time.

According to Braeden, it was his son, filmmaker Christian Gudegast, who urged him to reconsider and meet with the production team. His first attempt did not go well. Braeden said he walked out of a meeting with a casting director after being kept waiting and treated dismissively.

About a month later, he received another call—this time with a direct request from James Cameron to meet him. After learning more about Astor’s historical significance, Braeden agreed to audition. He was surprised that the audition required him to read only two lines, but he later learned Cameron was already familiar with his earlier work and wanted him for the role.

Braeden ultimately secured the part, though his filming schedule overlapped with his soap opera commitments, limiting his screen time in Titanic.

Looking back, the actor said he is glad he accepted the role and now has great respect for Cameron, describing him as a “genius.”