Y&R stars celebrate Eric Braeden's 40th anniversary

The cast of The Young and the Restless is showering lots of love on Eric Braeden, who is celebrating his 40th anniversary of playing Genoa City patriarch Victor Newman.

An iconic star deserves an iconic celebration during memorable career moments, and the cast and crew of The Young and the Restless delivered just that when getting together to honor Eric Braeden and his 40th anniversary of playing the iconic Victor Newman.

Although the anniversary of Braeden's first appearance on the CBS soap was technically February 8, the show held his party the day before. And it was a festivity befitting of the Mustache!

Several of Braeden's workmates shared their thoughts on the actor's illustrious career, including his longtime costar Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman), who took to the podium to speak some incredibly heartfelt words about her on-screen love. Luckily for fans who weren't able to attend Braeden's party, the actress posted a video of her speech on Instagram.

After the on-set party celebrating Braeden concluded, he and many other Y&R family members were treated to a lavish party hosted by Prince Albert of Monaco at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood. Scott posted a sweet photo of herself with Braeden at the end of the exciting festivities.

But Scott isn't the only one who is celebrating Braeden on social media. Several of his Y&R castmates have written tributes to the actor, who originated the role of Victor in 1970. Check out a few of their posts below and don't forget to tune in to the special episodes of Y&R celebrating Braeden's anniversary. As Soap Central previously reported, Braeden's on-screen anniversary festivities are set to begin on Tuesday, February 18.

Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers)

"I love you @ericbraedengudegast. Happy 40th!! You have been tremendously supportive and loyal to me. Your kindness toward me and my family and your support toward me has been stellar... to say the least. It means so much to me. YOU mean so much to me! Thank you for your compassion. For your honesty and your general badassness"

Melissa Ordway (Abby Newman)

"Happy 40th @ericbraedengudegast. You are a legend. Your talent and dedication is unmatched. Im so honored to play your daughter and thankful to call you a friend. Happy Anniversary"

Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson)

"Love this man! An icon, but also one of the most hysterical people around. I'm lucky I get to work with him. Happy 40th Anniversary Eric Braeden!"

Sharon Case (Sharon Newman)

"@1SteveBurton @MauriceBenard @YRInsider @YandR_CBS @GeneralHospital Happy 40th to #EB"

Amelia Heinle (Victoria Newman)

"Happy 40th anniversary to my Papa Eric!"

Jess Walton (Jill Abbott)

"Happy 40th Anniversary @EBraeden! Where does the time go?!"

Bryton James (Devon Hamilton)

"Thank you forever Mr. Braeden for welcoming me with open arms, and for teaching all of us everyday how to make this art our Own. Happy 40 Years!!!"

Brytni Sarpy (Elena Dawson)

"Happy 40th anniversary to the legendary Mr.Braeden, you are an inspiration to us all, I am honored to know you"

Michael Mealor (Kyle Abbott)

"Happy 40th to the legend @EBraeden! Happy we could all celebrate you and your iconic work as 'Victor Newman!' You have changed the game!"

Kate Linder (Esther Valentine)

"Congrats on your #40thanniversary @EBraeden @YandR_CBS @YRInsider @CBSDaytime #yr #actorslife #thrilledtohavebeenthere"

Hunter King (Summer Newman)

"Happy 40th anniversary on @YRInsider @EBraeden !! Let's get this bread. love you!"

Don Diamont (ex-Brad Carlton, Y&R; Bill Spencer, The Bold and the Beautiful)

"So glad I could be there for today's celebration honoring @ericbraedengudegast 's unparalleled 40 yrs on Y&R!!! ‼️CONGRATULATIONS ERIC‼️"

Would you like to leave a celebratory message for Eric Braeden? What are your favorite memories of his 40 years playing Victor Newman? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.