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You definitely know this face, even if his name sometimes escapes you. Eric Braeden, born on April 3, 1941, in Bredenbek, Germany, is this giant of the small screen with his memorable roles spanning decades. At 85, with a sharp gaze, he carries a career that commands respect.
I must admit, his journey before fame was quite a voyage. Migrating to the United States in 1959, he immediately plunged into the world of show business. Younger, he didn’t have the name he is known by today, but his real one, Hans-Jörg Gudegast.
But he’s not just an actor. He’s a passionate man who, despite his age, continues to hit the stage, thrilling his fans with the unforgettable character of Victor Newman in The Young and the Restless. The series is almost a family affair, as he has been there since 1980, not a wrinkle in his acting.
Honestly, I was surprised to learn about his fortune, well deserved. He built it through talent and hard work stretching over several decades, a real role model in this often fleeting industry.
Eric Braeden, a star shaped by his roots and experience
When you dig a little, you discover this man born in Germany and arriving very young in the USA. This crossing, this cultural shock, clearly gave him strength and authenticity in his roles. His public identity is inseparable from this dual influence.
Nothing was guaranteed for this young man arriving with dreams full in his head, but very quickly, he made a name for himself. He started as a German soldier in the series Combat!, a funny nod to his origins.
And then his career gently settled in. Before massive fame, he chained small roles in Mission Impossible or The Mod Squad. Those struggling years laid the solid foundations of what he would become. It wasn’t easy, but you could already sense that star.
His real turning point? The 1980s, where thanks to his role as Victor Newman, he settled in the hearts of viewers. Ah, I won’t tell you the surprise when he won an Emmy Award in 1998. That prize was recognition, the crowning moment for a guy who kept a cool head despite his rising fortune.
A rich career between television and cinema
His television success didn’t stop Braeden from trying Hollywood. His appearance in Titanic in 1997, though secondary, left a mark, a role in a cult film is not to be refused. Do you see him in that dimension once again?
The 1970s were not easy either: between The Steely Brain, Escape from the Planet of the Apes, and even Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo, his stature in the field began to grow.
And yet, he continued to cultivate his passion for series. The Bold and the Beautiful notably in 1989, another proof of his ability to juggle between small and big screens.
It must be said that, despite his 85 years, his energy is impressive. No surprise that TF1 still regularly reruns The Young and the Restless, where he remains indispensable.
Private life and anecdotes, the intimate side of this extraordinary actor
Know that the man behind the character is just as fascinating. Married since 1966 to Dale Russell, with whom he had a son, Christian, a director. Their family is a bit of their bubble in this Hollywood whirlwind.
Did you know he changed his name at the start of his career? Going from Hans-Jörg Gudegast to Eric Braeden is a clear sign of his desire to integrate while keeping a unique stamp. A choice not always easy, as you can imagine.
Well, there were difficult moments too. In 2023, he announced his battle against prostate cancer. It unsettled many of his fans. But good news, he is in remission and shares his story to help other men. Respect.
On an anecdote, it is reported that during the filming of Mission Impossible, he found himself in wild situations, like improvised stunts. There you have a true set adventurer, not at all timid.
News and recent projects of Eric Braeden
At a time when many veterans prefer to slow down, he continues to surprise. In 2018, he appeared in Criminal Squad, proof that his talent remains a sure value in cinema.
He has also become an unshakable emblematic figure of the American soap opera, captivating several generations. Take a look at his career summary on IMDb to grasp everything.
You may not have known, but besides his acting role, he has also been a producer. His first name, his age, his stature in this field, everything has evolved, but his energy remains intact. He even received his own star on the Walk of Fame in 2007.
To follow his latest appearances, a visit to Morning-Femina or AlloCiné will be perfect. His story is solid, a true example of endurance.
Top 5 key moments in Eric Braeden’s career 🌟
- ✨ Debut in Combat!, a role that put him on the map.
- ✨ Incredible longevity in The Young and the Restless since 1980.
- ✨ The Emmy Award in 1998, a major turning point.
- ✨ Participation in the cult film Titanic in 1997.
- ✨ His public battle against prostate cancer and his message of hope.
