How Victor and Jack Got Tangled in The Young and the Restless Family Tree

The Young and the Restless (Y&R), a staple of daytime television for decades, is known for its dramatic twists, complex relationships, and generational conflicts. At the heart of many of these storylines are two iconic characters: Victor Newman and Jack Abbott. Their rivalry spans business, love, and family — creating one of the most tangled and iconic feuds in soap opera history. But how exactly did their lives and families become so intertwined? Let’s break it down.

The Origins of the Feud
Victor Newman, the powerful founder of Newman Enterprises, and Jack Abbott, the heir to Jabot Cosmetics, have been rivals since the 1980s. Their battle began as a corporate war, with each man determined to outmaneuver the other in business. However, their rivalry quickly became personal, especially when it came to their shared romantic interests — particularly Nikki Newman and Phyllis Summers.

Victor’s marriage to Nikki was on-again, off-again, and Jack at times pursued her, adding fuel to their personal animosity. Likewise, Jack’s romantic involvement with Phyllis and later Victor’s entanglement with her created overlapping connections that blurred the lines between business, love, and family.

Family Ties and Crossed Lines
The real entanglement began when family members from both sides started mixing. Victor’s children — especially Victoria and Nicholas — often found themselves at odds or in alliances with Jack’s relatives. For instance, Victoria Newman and Billy Abbott (Jack’s younger brother) were married, making Victor and Jack unwilling in-laws. Their marriage produced a child, Katie, tying the Newman and Abbott bloodlines together.

Even more complicated is the case of Summer Newman, Victor’s granddaughter (Nick Newman and Phyllis’ daughter), who at one point believed she might be Jack’s biological child. This created significant emotional turmoil for both families, further deepening their intergenerational entanglement.

Business Partners, Then Enemies — Again
Victor and Jack have, on rare occasions, been forced to work together — especially when facing greater threats to their companies or families. However, such alliances never last long. Distrust and betrayal always seem to resurface.

Victor once acquired controlling interest in Jabot, Jack’s family company, just to humiliate him. Jack retaliated by exploiting Newman family secrets. These power plays weren’t just about corporate dominance — they were about pride, legacy, and proving who truly runs Genoa City.

The Role of Legacy
Both Victor and Jack are obsessed with legacy. For Victor, it’s about ensuring that Newman Enterprises stays in the family and reflects his values. For Jack, it’s about honoring his father John Abbott’s memory and keeping Jabot out of Victor’s grasp.

This obsession with legacy makes every business deal, family dispute, or romantic entanglement feel like a high-stakes game. When their children and grandchildren are caught in the crossfire, the stakes become even more personal.