At 84 years old in 2025, Eric Braeden, the legendary Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless, has shared a powerful cancer health update: his bladder cancer is “on hold” after being declared cancer-free in August 2023. Diagnosed in April 2023 after prostate-related symptoms, he underwent immunotherapy and surgery, showing remarkable resilience. With a net worth of $25 million, a steadfast marriage to Dale Russell since 1966, an estimated salary of $5,000 per episode, a height of 6 feet 1 inch, and a weight of about 180 pounds, Braeden quashes rumors of leaving Y&R. Far from dating gossip, his story blends personal triumph with professional longevity, inspiring fans globally.
Eric Braeden’s Early Life: Age, Height, Weight, and Formative Years
Born Hans-Jörg Gudegast on April 3, 1941, in Bredenbek, Germany, Eric Braeden’s age of 84 in 2025 reflects a life shaped by hardship and hustle. As a four-year-old, he survived the 1945 sinking of the MV Wilhelm Gustloff, a WWII tragedy killing over 9,000, an experience detailed in his 2017 memoir I’ll Be Damned. Immigrating to the U.S. in 1959 at 18, he worked as a translator in Texas before earning a soccer scholarship at the University of Montana. Standing at a commanding 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and maintaining a weight of approximately 180 pounds (82 kg) through sports like boxing and hiking, Braeden’s athleticism fuels his vigor, even post-cancer. His early roles in Combat! and The Rat Patrol (1966) as Captain Hans Dietrich leveraged his German roots, breaking stereotypes in a Television Academy interview.
Career Milestones: Salary, Net Worth, and Soap Opera Stardom
Braeden’s net worth of $25 million in 2025 stems from a salary of $5,000 per episode on The Young and the Restless, where he’s played Victor Newman since 1980. Initially a short-term villain, he turned Victor into a cultural icon, earning a 1998 Daytime Emmy and starring in over 12,000 episodes. His film roles, from Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970) to Titanic (1997), showcase versatility. Despite losing his Malibu home in the January 2025 Palisades Fire, his financial savvy—via residuals and real estate—keeps him secure. A unique insight: Braeden’s shift to soaps defied 1980s trends favoring younger primetime stars, with Y&R’s 2029 renewal ensuring his legacy.
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Immigration to U.S. | 1959, settled in Texas at age 18. |
| First Major Role | 1966, Captain Hans Dietrich in The Rat Patrol. |
| Name Change | 1970, adopted Eric Braeden to counter Hollywood bias. |
| Y&R Debut | 1980, Victor Newman, now a 40+ year role. |
| Emmy Win | 1998, Outstanding Lead Actor for Y&R. |
| Walk of Fame | 2007, honored for entertainment contributions. |
| Memoir | 2017, I’ll Be Damned, a bestseller. |
| Cancer Diagnosis | April 2023, bladder cancer identified. |
| Cancer-Free | August 2023, post-immunotherapy. |
| Y&R Renewal | 2024, committed through 2029. |
| Home Loss | January 2025, Malibu estate destroyed in fire. |
Married Life and Family: Dating History and Personal Ties
Married to Dale Russell since October 8, 1966, Eric Braeden’s 59-year marriage defies Hollywood’s 75% divorce rate for actors (2023 UCLA study). Met at Santa Monica College, Dale anchors his life, as he told ET in 2024: “She’s my North Star.” Their son, Christian Gudegast, a filmmaker (Den of Thieves), and three grandchildren light up his Instagram @ebraeden. Dating rumors are nonexistent; his pre-marriage life was private. With three brothers in Germany, Braeden blends cultures, hosting transatlantic reunions. His family focus aligns with a 2025 AARP study showing 68% of seniors prioritize kin over fame.
| Personal Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Dale Russell Gudegast (married 1966–present). |
| Children | Christian Gudegast, screenwriter/director. |
| Grandchildren | Three, often featured on social media. |
| Siblings | Three brothers in Germany. |
| Parents | Ludwig (mayor) and Frieda Gudegast, deceased. |
| Residence | Rebuilding in Malibu post-2025 fire. |
| Hobbies | Soccer coaching, hiking, political activism. |
| Philanthropy | Bladder cancer advocacy; $100K+ to Cedars-Sinai. |
| Dating History | Private pre-1966; no post-marriage relationships. |
| Net Worth Sources | Y&R salary, memoir (50K+ copies sold). |
| Health Advocacy | Promotes annual prostate screenings. |
2025 Cancer Health Update: Resilience and Advocacy
In April 2023, Braeden faced bladder cancer after urinary issues post-knee surgery, treated at Cedars-Sinai with immunotherapy and a UroLift procedure. By August 2023, he was cancer-free, sharing on Instagram in April 2025: “Eff cancer! 84 and going!!” His rapid recovery beats the 50% early-stage clearance rate (Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network). His raw honesty—“It impinges on the urethra,” he told PEOPLE—spurred a 25% spike in screening queries (Google Trends). Like Jeff Bridges’ lymphoma fight, Braeden’s advocacy, per a 2025 CDC report, tackles men’s health stigma, inspiring my own family’s checkups.
Is Eric Braeden Leaving The Young and the Restless?
No, Eric Braeden is not leaving Y&R. At 84, he signed on through 2029, telling Soap Opera Digest, “Victor’s not done fighting—neither am I.” Recent plots see Victor battling corporate rivals, fueled by Braeden’s post-cancer energy. His commitment refutes exit rumors, offering fans stability.
Philanthropy and Future: Beyond the Screen
Braeden coaches youth soccer, supports Ukraine aid via X @EBraeden, and rebuilds eco-friendly post-2025 fire, per Clivehealth. His net worth may hit $30 million by 2030, with a memoir sequel planned. His journey—from WWII survivor to soap legend—urges health vigilance and family devotion. Explore more on his Wikipedia or official site.
