Eric Braeden And Wife Dale Russell Gudegast: 5 Shocking Facts About Their Age, Marriage, And Hollywood Legacy

For over five decades, Eric Braeden, the iconic figure known globally as Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless, has maintained one of Hollywood's most enduring marriages. Fans are constantly curious about the woman who has stood by the legendary actor since the 1960s: his wife, Dale Russell Gudegast. The most immediate question is always about her age and the details of their relationship.

As of this current date in December 2025, Eric Braeden is 84 years old, and his wife, Dale Russell Gudegast, is 83, making their age difference just over a year. Their astonishing love story, which began when they met in college, has now spanned over 59 years, a rarity in the entertainment world. This deep dive reveals the full biography of the couple, the surprising success of their son, and Eric’s latest health updates that keep his legacy fresh and current.

Complete Biography: Eric Braeden and Dale Russell Gudegast

The man known as Eric Braeden was born Hans-Jörg Gudegast in Bredenbek, Germany, on April 3, 1941. He adopted the stage name Eric Braeden in the late 1960s to avoid being typecast as a Nazi villain, a common role for German actors at the time.

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His wife, Dale Russell Gudegast, was born on June 21, 1942, in Los Angeles, California. She is an American actress and artist, though she has largely remained out of the public spotlight, preferring to support her husband's demanding career.

Eric Braeden's Profile

• Full Name: Hans-Jörg Gudegast (Changed to Eric Braeden)
• Date of Birth: April 3, 1941
• Current Age (Dec 2025): 84
• Birthplace: Bredenbek, Germany
• Spouse: Dale Russell Gudegast
• Marriage Date: October 8, 1966
• Son: Christian Gudegast (Screenwriter/Director)
• Most Famous Role: Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless
• Key Awards: Daytime Emmy Award for Lead Actor in a Drama Series (1998)

Dale Russell Gudegast's Profile

• Full Name: Dale Russell Gudegast
• Date of Birth: June 21, 1942
• Current Age (Dec 2025): 83
• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
• Spouse: Eric Braeden
• Profession: Actress (limited roles), Artist, Homemaker
• Notable Work: Appeared in the film Holiday in the Sun (2001)

The Astonishing Longevity: 59 Years of Marriage and a Tiny Age Gap

The most fascinating detail about the Braeden-Gudegast relationship is its extraordinary duration. Eric and Dale met while attending college and tied the knot on October 8, 1966. This means they will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in 2026, a milestone that few Hollywood couples ever reach. Their commitment is often cited as one of the most stable and inspiring in the industry.

The age difference between the couple is minimal, contributing to their shared life experience. Eric Braeden (born April 1941) is only about 14 months older than Dale Russell Gudegast (born June 1942). They have essentially grown up together, supporting each other through Eric's early career struggles and his eventual, massive success as Victor Newman.

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Eric Braeden has publicly credited the success of their decades-long partnership to mutual respect and a deep, enduring friendship. He has emphasized that their relationship is a true partnership, built on a foundation of support and understanding, which is essential when navigating the pressures of a high-profile career.

The Next Generation: Christian Gudegast's Hollywood Success

Eric and Dale's only child, Christian Gudegast, has carved out a successful career for himself behind the camera, a testament to the family's artistic roots. Christian Gudegast, born on February 9, 1970, is a prominent American screenwriter and director.

Christian's filmography is a major entity in its own right, focusing on high-octane action and crime dramas. His most notable works include writing the screenplays for blockbusters like London Has Fallen (2016) and The Rundown.

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Most recently, Christian Gudegast wrote and directed the 2018 action film Den of Thieves, starring Gerard Butler. He is also set to release the highly anticipated sequel, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, in 2025. This upcoming project highlights the family's continued relevance in the modern film industry and provides a fresh update on the Gudegast name.

A Legacy of Resilience: Eric Braeden's Latest Health Update

In addition to his enduring marriage, Eric Braeden has recently made headlines for his resilience in the face of a significant health challenge, providing a fresh and current layer to his biography. In 2023, the actor revealed he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer.

Fans were relieved when, in the spring and winter of 2025, Braeden provided a positive update on his condition. In April 2025, he posted an update with the caption, "Eff cancer! 84 and going!!" Later in December 2025, he shared that his cancer diagnosis was "on hold," expressing immense gratitude. This news confirmed that the veteran actor remains cancer-free and continues to be a formidable presence on The Young and the Restless, a role he has played since 1980.

His dedication to his craft, even while undergoing treatment, is a hallmark of his professional work ethic. Braeden has appeared in over 120 television series and feature films throughout his career, including the iconic role of John Jacob Astor IV in the 1997 film Titanic, demonstrating a career far beyond Genoa City.

The Enduring Power of the Gudegast Name

The story of Eric Braeden and Dale Russell Gudegast is a powerful narrative of stability and partnership in a business often defined by change and drama. While the question of "eric braeden wife age" is answered with the specific numbers of 84 and 83, the real story is the nearly six-decade commitment they share. Their legacy is not just the drama of Victor Newman, but the quiet, successful life they built in Pacific Palisades, raising a son who has become a successful filmmaker in his own right. Their enduring love story stands as a testament to mutual respect, making them one of the true power couples of Hollywood history.