'Y&R's Eric Braeden on Verge of Tears While Unveiling Cancer Diagnosis - Family Is His 'Unmitigated Joy'

• "The Young and the Restless" star Eric Braeden recently shared an emotional video on social media.
• The 82-year-old actor revealed his cancer diagnosis in the clip while fighting back his tears.
• Nowadays, he enjoys life as a grandpa of three granddaughters.

Eric Braeden is a German film and television star, most popularly known for portraying Victor Newman in "The Young and the Restless"—a CBS soap opera that has been on-air since 1973.

Despite being in his 80s, he continues to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. He joined "Y&R" as the alluring yet headstrong Newman in 1980 and hasn't looked back ever since.

In an interview in March 2021, Braeden reflected on completing 41 years on the top-rated TV drama, noting that he planned to stay as long as possible. About turning 80 on April 3 that year, the internationally-acclaimed star admitted to being very proud, despite shying away from that number.

However, he urged people to watch his video till the end, especially older men, as they might be able to benefit from it.

He also shed light on his daily routine, which involved staying on his feet, exercising, and trying his best to go the extra mile. Braeden explained how he started his day with a workout session comprising 100 left-right combinations of hooks, 100 uppercuts, and a few planks.

Staying true to his mantra of "what you do in the last mile is what you are judged by," Braeden said he preferred to remain plugged, maintain his fighting streak and keep on going without slacking off and giving up.

"The Rat Patrol" star stated that he didn't believe in sitting down and doing nothing and thought it best to keep himself engaged in something productive. Braeden said he hadn't changed much over the years and was still who he had always been.

The veteran star stated, "I love my life," while adding that he had immense appreciation and affection for his friends, family, and colleagues. When asked if he had any retirement plans, Braeden replied in the negative, saying his life had become all the more fulfilling because of his being an actor.

Eric Can't Restrain Emotions While Revealing Cancer Diagnosis

On Friday, April 21, Braeden, 82, posted a candid video from his family ranch on social media. In the clip, which is a little over 13 minutes long, the critically-acclaimed star revealed a somewhat heartbreaking piece of news while keeping himself composed.

During his live Facebook video session, Braeden gave an update to his fans regarding his knee-replacement surgery and said he was recuperating well. But what he later said was deeply shocking —the German-born television icon revealed his cancer diagnosis.

Braeden, who's undergoing immunotherapy sessions that have reportedly helped him continue acting on "Y&R," said he hated talking about personal issues. However, he urged people to watch his video till the end, especially older men, as they might be able to benefit from it.

The television star, who has received sheer praise and recognition for his acting finesse, maintained his composure as he narrated his story. Braeden said he discovered he had cancer after he sought medical help following prostate issues.

The daytime TV legend said he frequently urinated, after which he visited his doctor. There, he stated that he was given a catheter and told a bladder treatment procedure might help make things better.

However, Braeden found himself in a Los Angeles hospital after his original catheter was removed, citing his inability to urinate. The senior actor was reportedly treated by a Vietnamese doctor who learned to speak English by watching his soap opera after he moved to the States.

But that wasn't all the doctor shared—he also gave Braeden the heart-stopping news of his cancer diagnosis. The Emmy-winning actor said high-grade cancer cells were found near his bladder while consulting his doctors about prostate issues.

Braeden explained that he also underwent a UroLift and was advised to take six weeks long immunotherapy sessions. The actor, who has starred in "Titanic" and is known for adhering to an active lifestyle, expressed that he has since slowed down his workout regime.

While confessing how he's started listening to his body more and being in tune with himself, Braeden said, "So if you've seen me a little under the weather, yeah, I have been...I'll be in top form again soon."

The People's Choice Award-winning star confirmed that he would continue to act because he enjoys entertaining people, and acting offers him a healthy distraction.

Toward the video's end, he struggled to fight his emotions and was on the brink of tears as he thanked his fans for their love and appreciation. He also urged people to support anyone with cancer in their family, noting how treatments have become advanced in recent times.

All in all, Braeden maintained a positive outlook and refused to give up his fight against cancer. He concluded the video by blowing a kiss to all his fans.

Since being shared, the clip has amassed 289,000 views, 23,000 reactions, 19,000 comments, and counting. Many netizens have posted messages of support, commending Braeden's fighting spirit and sharing prayers for his complete recovery.

Eric Adores His Grandpa Life

Unlike his charming yet stubborn on-screen role in "Y&R," Braeden's real life is peppered with romance. He has been married to his college sweetheart, Dale Gudegast, since 1966. The couple met at Santa Monica College, where she was an art student and Braeden studied economics and philosophy.

Braeden shares a son, Christian Gudegast, a screenwriter, with his wife of 57 years. In an interview in April 2017, the legendary star said his wife encouraged him to sign "Y&R" and motivated him to keep going, making him change his mind when he thought he should resign.

Another role that Braeden loves playing behind the cameras is being a doting granddad to his three blonde granddaughters. He loves taking his little granddaughter, Tatiana Marie, for a car ride and playing along as she sits behind the steering wheel, pretending to drive.

"Being a grandfather just gives me a feeling of unrestricted, unlimited love. It's unmitigated joy," added the grandpa of three.

Over the years, Braeden has shared many heartwarming photos of his grandkids. In one picture, he was seen smiling while standing beside his granddaughter on a horse. In a second photo, he was seen hugging his beloved granddaughters.

In a third photo, the award-winning actor showed his eldest granddaughter and wrote, "The eldest granddaughter, the equestrian & surfer!" He also posted a picture of his son, Christian, and his oldest granddaughter.

Braeden also posted a picture with his son and youngest granddaughter in 2022 and captioned the post, "Three generations." In February this year, he shared a candid photo with all his grandchildren, wishing everyone an epic weekend.

We wish Braeden a speedy recovery and hope he continues to adore his grandkids and cherish his family!

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