‘Y&R’ Star Eric Braeden, 83, Receives Prayers with His Latest Video Appearance after Battling Cancer

Eric Braeden, beloved for his role as Victor Newman on "The Young and the Restless," has captivated fans for years. Off-screen, he bravely battled and defeated cancer. Recently, a video of Braeden on social media emerged, prompting warm reactions from netizens.

In a recent Instagram video, Eric Braeden shared his excitement over a women’s college basketball tournament that featured star player Caitlin Clark. Wearing a matching black shirt and jacket, along with eyeglasses, Braeden's enthusiasm was clearly palpable.

Braeden remarked, "It was an exciting women's tournament, I must say...obviously, Caitlin Clark, what you did was incredible, really. You're a fantastic athlete," praising the young woman's performance.

However, fans were quick to express their concerns for his health along with their well-wishes, highlighting the depth of their affection and concern for the veteran actor.

The comments from fans ranged from observations about his health to outright expressions of support. One fan noted, “I hope you are well, your breathing is suspect,” indicating concern over his physical condition.

Another commented, “Hi Eric. Hope you are feeling stronger every day." The support continued with another fan expressing, “Sending you continued strength and blessings for healing Eric."

Some fans also reflected on Braeden's impact both on and off the screen. He is known for his character, Victor Newman, in the CBS soap opera “The Young and the Restless.”

"When The GREAT Eric 'VICTOR NEWMAN' Braeden gives his thoughts, we listen. Hope u are feeling well. Sending so much love," a fan remarked.

Another supporter chimed in, "When Victor Newman speaks wisdom we all listen well spoken well spoken Mr Newman aka Eric love you."

Additionally, one netizen expressed the thrill of receiving praise from Victor Newman, celebrating Clark's impact on changing perceptions of women's basketball.

Amidst this wave of support, Braeden recently shared a positive update about his health, saying, "My cancer diagnosis right now is on hold, as it were, and [I'm] very grateful for very good doctors and very good modern cancer treatment which has improved enormously."

He further urged, "People shouldn't be afraid of it, you know. Just go and have your cystoscopy, have your colonoscopy, have your heart checked out. Do all that, do it in time." Braeden's current state of good health contrasts sharply with the challenges he faced nearly a year ago.

The actor’s message of hope and resilience comes after he revealed his cancer battle on April 22, 2023, through a Facebook Live video, detailing his treatment for high-grade cancer cells.

During treatment for prostate issues and before his UroLift procedure, doctors found high-grade cancer cells near his bladder, he revealed. He detailed undergoing a six-week course of immunotherapy to treat these cells.

Braeden realized the importance of being attuned to his body's signals, admitting to feeling under the weather but remaining defiant against the illness. I've learned now to listen to my body more, and not go all out," he said.

"So if you've seen me a little under the weather, yeah, I have been, but I will lick this. This bastard ain't going to get me, I'm going to get it. I'll be in top form again soon,” Braeden expressed with determination.

Six months into his recovery journey, Braeden's optimistic outlook has proven to be beneficial and rewarding.

In August 2023, Braeden announced his victory over cancer, sharing, "As of three days ago, I am cancer-free." He also acknowledged his supporters. "I thank you for all of your good thoughts, all of your prayers,” he said, adding that they “meant a great deal" to him.

Braeden expressed happiness in getting older, emphasizing his love for life and work. "I love life, man. Why wouldn’t I? I’m working on the No. 1 show. It has been No. 1 for 38 years now. Why would I complain? That would be obscene," he said.

However, Braeden remains cautious, acknowledging that his journey isn't over and that he needs further tests to monitor his condition.

In September 2023, in an interview with “Today,” Braeden shared that he was ready to get back to his everyday life, feeling healthy and moving on from his health issues. “I already am (in fighting shape). I’ve already kind of forgotten about it,” he said.

He recalled his battle with cancer and described the whole process as "manageable." While he assured that he was feeling well, he shared that his medical team was looking into whether his cancer was inherited or caused by environmental factors, especially since his brother had a similar issue.

Witnessing his brother's health struggle inspired Braeden to publicly share his story to help others. The actor is now passionate about using his experience to encourage others to be proactive about their health.

For him, knowing what a person is up against health-wise is crucial. He likened it to facing an adversary, “I want to know my enemy. When someone threatens me, I come after them."

His message is clear: regular check-ups and screenings can make a significant difference in managing health issues. “The more preventive we are, the easier it is to treat things," Braeden emphasized.

Eric Braeden is married to Dale Russell Gudegast, a former actress. Gudegast, who was born on June 21, 1942, in Los Angeles, California, appeared in the 2001 movie "Holiday in the Sun." However, she has since changed her career trajectory and is now an interior designer.

The couple got married in 1966 and have one child, a son, Christian Gudegast, who was born on February 9, 1970, in Los Angeles, California.

Like his dad, Christian is also in the entertainment industry and is a filmmaker and writer. He is also a family man and a doting father to three daughters. He and his father often share the girls' pictures on social media, and it is evident that the soap opera star is proud to be a grandfather.

Braeden's family is united, and with his bladder cancer diagnosis, the actor depends on them for support. The actor and his wife also prioritize their health and wellness. Braeden likes to start his morning with exercises.

Braeden revealed that even in his older years, he has to keep on plugging and fighting as people are judged mainly by what they do in their last mile alive.