This famous actor left his home country to pursue the American dream, and he met true love along the way. Their love tale began at college and continued into the bright lights of Hollywood. Decades later, they remain side by side. He’s one of daytime television’s most famous faces, a veteran actor with a decades-long career who has defined a long-running soap opera. And, as the saying goes, “Behind every great man is a great woman,” which is especially true in his situation.
His wife has been a constant presence since the beginning, providing steadfast support. From meeting in college and defining his most memorable role to raising a family over decades in the spotlight, here’s a look at the love story that has survived behind the scenes. A Journey Across Continents and the Beginning of a Lasting Love. Before the acclaim, the red carpets, and the decades-long television run, this Hollywood celebrity was a young man chasing a dream across the Atlantic.
After graduating from high school, he left Germany to pursue his dream of living in the United States. “I saw America as a land of opportunity,” he recalled later, “but also as the land of adventure, the land of cowboys and Indians.” His arrival was highlighted by a stunning sight: the Statue of Liberty appeared in the early morning light as he neared New York Harbor on an ocean liner. Los Angeles was not his initial destination, but it quickly became his home.
He had gone there to locate a distributor for a documentary he had co-created with another student. The film, “The Riverbusters,” prompted appearances on talk shows and a brief promotional tour. When his collaborator returned to Montana, the actor remained in Los Angeles with $500 from Johnson Motors and a commitment to see what happened next. However, the initial days were difficult.
In 1980, this Hollywood star made a career-defining decision. He parked vehicles, moved furniture, and played soccer for ten dollars per game. He also worked as a busboy for La Scala, an upmarket restaurant. But, in addition to the hustle, he enrolled at Santa Monica State College to study political science, and that’s where everything changed.
He met his future wife on campus. She had attended Catholic school, was well-read, and intimately familiar with European literature. The shared cultural background established an immediate relationship. In 1966, they got married. However, fame had not yet arrived, and he was still playing minor roles in theater, film, and television.
This Emmy-winning actor known to millions as Victor Newman from “The Young and the Restless” is none other than Eric Braeden, and the woman who has been by his side since his college days is Dale Russell, his wife of over 50 years and the person he calls his biggest supporter. Despite remaining mainly out of the public eye, she has maintained a consistent effect. She had a brief performing career before settling into a peaceful life as an interior designer and supporting her husband’s quest.
“Because Dale is so private, people don’t realize how much she influences what I do or don’t do,” the Hollywood icon remarked. “I make several judgments after discussing with her. She has been a comforting and encouraging presence in my life.” That effect extended beyond his work on television. Over the years, the actor was often solicited to write his memoirs, but he always declined. It was his wife that pushed him to take the situation seriously.
They reared their son, Christian Gudegast, who has become a prominent producer, writer, and director. When questioned about the secret to their good marriage, Braeden responded thoughtfully, reflecting decades of shared history. “Falling in love is the first part of it, but you also have to like the person,” he told me. “That suggests you like who they are and enjoy being with them. You enjoy having chats with them. “You obviously share the most extraordinary things in life with them,” the actor said.
He also realized that the initial excitement of being in love fades into something deeper — and for a marriage to continue, that deeper connection must be genuine. “Do I basically respect the person for who they are?” he asked. “That only comes out in certain life situations, or when political decisions have to be made or there are certain developments on the news — then you get to know the person.” They reared their son, Christian Gudegast, who has become a prominent producer, writer, and director. In 2021, Braeden called him “arguably the greatest gift of my life and always has been,” adding, “We talk to each other almost every night.”
As of 2020, the couple had three grandchildren. “I adore them,” the actor explained. “Nothing makes me more happy than seeing them.” Despite 50 years of marriage, a legendary television role, and a life full of personal and professional successes, he has remained deeply thankful. The actor has revealed:
“I’m deeply grateful to having worked with such great colleagues over the years and having had such great support from my family, from my wife.”
That support proved especially vital when he was confronted with one of his most difficult challenges. On April 21, 2023, Braeden, 82, shared a candid video from his family property on social media. In the video, which lasts slightly more than 13 minutes, the critically acclaimed star delivers terrible news while remaining composed.
During his live Facebook video session, he provided an update to his fans on his knee replacement operation and stated that he was recovering well. But what he later said was shocking: the German-born television personality announced his cancer diagnosis. Braeden, whose immunotherapy sessions reportedly allowed him to continue performing on “The Young and the Restless,” claimed he disliked discussing personal concerns. However, he advised everyone to watch his movie until the finish, particularly older guys, because it could have helped them.
The television personality remained calm as he told his story. Braeden claimed he realized he had cancer after seeking medical attention for prostate concerns. The daytime TV legend admitted to routinely urinating and then visiting his doctor. He claimed that he was then given a catheter and told that a bladder treatment operation might help things improve.
However, the actor ended himself in a Los Angeles hospital when his original catheter was removed, citing an inability to urinate. The older star was reportedly treated by a Vietnamese doctor who learnt English from watching his serial series after moving to the United States. But that wasn’t all the doctor told Braeden; he also revealed the heartbreaking news of his cancer diagnosis. The Emmy-winning actor revealed that high-grade cancer cells were discovered near his bladder when meeting with specialists regarding prostate troubles.
Braeden added that he also had an UroLift and was instructed to undergo six weeks of immunotherapy. The actor stated that he has since reduced his fitness program. While discussing how he began to listen to his body and become more in tune with himself, Braeden stated, “So if you’ve seen me a little under the weather, well, I have been… I’ll be in peak shape again soon.”
Despite this, the Hollywood star has remained active in recent years. He still enjoys his work, relationships, and everyday routines. “I love my life,” he said. “So, do I see myself retiring soon? “Hell no!”
