Who Is Eric Braeden? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on April 3, 1941, Eric Braeden is a renowned German-American actor best known for his long-standing role as Victor Newman on the American soap opera The Young and the Restless. In 2025, Braeden will celebrate his 84th birthday, continuing to be a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His compelling performances have garnered him numerous awards, solidifying his legacy in television history.
| Occupation | Soap Opera Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 3, 1941 |
| Age | 84 Years |
| Birth Place | Bredenbek, Free State of Prussia, Germany (present-day Schleswig-Holstein, Germany) |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Germany |
Popularity
Eric Braeden's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Eric Braeden stands tall at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and maintains a healthy weight of around 180 lbs (82 kg). His charismatic appearance is complemented by his strong physique, a testament to his dedication to fitness and overall wellness. As a public figure, Braeden’s height and presence contribute to his command on screen.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Regarding his personal life, Eric Braeden has been married to his wife, Dale Russel, since 1966. The couple has maintained a strong relationship, raising their son, Christian, together. As of 2025, Braeden is not known to have any other romantic relationships, and he remains devoted to his family while continuing his professional career.
In 1980, he was offered the role of self-made business magnate Victor Newman on the daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless. Initially, the role was for a 26-week run. His character imprisoned his wife's lover, and became so popular the character became a love-to-hate villain, and his contract was extended.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Eric Braeden's net worth is estimated to be between $25 million and $30 million. His earnings are primarily derived from his extensive career in television, film, and various endorsements. His role in The Young and the Restless has been particularly lucrative, with reports indicating that he earns around $1 million annually from the show.
In October 2009, Braeden and The Young and the Restless came to an impasse regarding contract negotiations, and press reports indicated he might leave the show. CBS later announced, though, that Braeden had inked a new three-year deal and would remain with the show, agreeing to a reduction in salary, which was the original issue.
Career, Business and Investments
Eric Braeden’s career spans over five decades, beginning in the late 1960s with various television and film roles. His breakthrough came with The Young and the Restless, where his portrayal of Victor Newman has become iconic. Beyond acting, Braeden has dabbled in production and is also an active philanthropist, supporting various charitable causes. He also has investments in real estate, further increasing his financial portfolio.
His other movie appearances in the 1970s included the role of Dr. Otto Hasslein in Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971), and that of the arrogant but formidable race-car driver, Bruno von Stickle, in Walt Disney's 1977 Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo.
Throughout the 1970s, he also guest-starred in a variety of television shows, including The Six Million Dollar Man, Wonder Woman, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and also appeared in several episodes of the long-running CBS Western series Gunsmoke.
In addition to many episodic roles, Braeden also appeared as Colonel John Jacob Astor IV in the 1997 blockbuster film Titanic. Braeden told Cindy Elavsky that filming the scene in Titanic, in which his character drowned, "was one of the scariest moments in this business for me."
Social Network
Braeden is active on social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter, where he shares updates about his career and personal life with fans. His engaging personality and interactions with followers have helped him cultivate a strong online presence, connecting with a new generation of viewers.
Education
Eric Braeden attended California State University, Northridge, where he studied engineering. However, his passion for acting led him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry instead, demonstrating that following one’s passion can lead to remarkable success.
He married his college sweetheart Dale Russell in 1966. Their son, Christian Gudegast, is a director who created the film Den of Thieves, starring Gerard Butler.
