Eric Braeden Plays Victor Newman on 'The Young and the Restless'

Eric Braeden has played Victor Newman on 'The Young and
the Restless' since 1980. This month, Victor is diagnosed with
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

Eric Braeden joined the cast of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS as business tycoon Victor Newman in 1980.

Braeden received Daytime Emmy nominations as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1990, 1997 and 1999, 2000 and 2004. He won the coveted award in 1998. He won the Soap Opera Update Award in 1997 as Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series and was honored as Most Popular Daytime Actor at the People's Choice Awards in 1998. Braeden was nominated for a Soap Opera Award in the category of Best Lead Actor in 1999.

Braeden was born Hans Gudegast in Kiel, Germany, a port city near the Baltic Sea. He immigrated to the United States in 1959. Braeden lived in Texas for several years and worked in the University of Texas medical school lab before moving to Los Angeles, where he attended Santa Monica College. He joined a local semi-professional soccer team while launching his acting career.

Braeden co-starred as John Jacob Astor in James Cameron's blockbuster 1997 film "Titanic." Since beginning his career in 1961, he has appeared in more than 120 television series, including "The Rat Patrol," as well as a number of made-for-television movies including "The Judge and Mrs. Wyler" with Bette Davis, "Happily Ever After" with Suzanne Somers and Tyne Daly, and the Jackie Collins mini-series "Lucky." He has appeared in the films "Operation Eichmann," "The Ultimate Chase," "Escape from the Planet of the Apes" and "Morituri" with Marlon Brando.

His theater credits include "Kean," which marked the premiere production of the Santa Monica Playhouse and the Broadway production of "The Great Indoors" with Geraldine Page and Curt

Braeden was extremely active in Senator John Kerry's presidential campaign, serving as the keynote speaker in several rallies across the country. In 1989, Braeden was chosen as the only actor to be on the newly formed German American Advisory Board. The illustrious group includes Dr. Henry Kissinger, Katherine Graham, Alexander Haig, Steffi Graf and Paul Volcher.

Braeden maintains an active athletic regimen. He continues to play soccer with several teams, including the Maccabees, with whom he won the 1972-73 National Soccer Championship. He and his wife Dale have been married since 1966 and live in Los Angeles. Their son, Christian Gudegast, and his wife Stacey, have a daughter, Tatiana. Braeden's birth date is April 3.