In the fast-paced, drama-filled world of Hollywood, lasting love stories are rare. But Eric Braeden, beloved for his role as the iconic Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless, has spent over six decades in a marriage that defies the odds. His partnership with Dale Russell Gudegast is not just a testament to love, but to enduring commitment, resilience, and the quiet strength of a woman who stood by him through it all.

From College Sweethearts to Hollywood Legends: How Eric and Dale’s Journey Began

Before Eric Braeden became synonymous with Victor Newman, he was just a young German immigrant named Hans-Jörg Gudegast with big dreams and an eye for philosophy and sports cars. It was at Santa Monica College that Eric first met Dale, a strong-willed art major with no time for his dramatics.

“She had this no-nonsense attitude, and absolutely no time for my dramatics,” Eric recalls, “So, of course, I was hooked.”

Their relationship sparked quickly, and it wasn’t long before they tied the knot in 1966. While Eric was becoming a household name in daytime television, Dale, an interior designer and pillow artisan, remained far away from the limelight. But despite their contrasting public lives—Eric’s soap opera fame and Dale’s commitment to privacy—their bond remained unbreakable.

As Eric himself jokingly put it, “People think I’m the decision-maker, but most of the time, I just ask Dale what I’m allowed to say.”

Tragedy Strikes: The Wildfires That Almost Took Everything

In early 2025, the couple’s love and home were tested when wildfires ravaged parts of Los Angeles, threatening to reduce their home and decades of memories to ashes.

Standing amid the rubble, Eric shared a heartfelt reflection on the devastation. “When I looked into the rubble, I didn’t see just things,” he said. “I saw Dale and our granddaughter sitting by the fireplace, talking about life. That moment is what I grieve.”

Despite the overwhelming loss, Eric’s resilience shone through. Even in the face of tragedy, his dedication to family and love remained steadfast.

It was a moment that showcased not just the loss of material things but the irreplaceable value of family and shared memories.

A Legacy Beyond Soap Operas: Christian Gudegast Follows His Own Path

Eric and Dale’s only child, Christian Gudegast, has built his own legacy, though not on the soap opera sets where his father made his name. Instead, Christian became a Hollywood action filmmaker, known for directing the blockbuster Den of Thieves and its follow-up Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.

With a background in film studies from UCLA, Christian’s success marks a new chapter in the Gudegast family’s creative lineage, showing that the art of storytelling runs deep in the family.

Unlike his father, who embraced the drama of soap operas, Christian opted for intense action-packed thrillers, with films that mix high stakes with deep emotional beats.

“I always wanted to write movies,” Eric admits. “But I didn’t have the guts. Christian? He dove right in.”

Christian is married to Natasha, a jewelry designer, and they have three children. As doting grandparents, Eric and Dale are proud of the next generation, and their legacy continues to grow with every new chapter.

A Love That Stands the Test of Time: Dale’s Role in Eric’s Success

While Eric Braeden’s fame as Victor Newman captured the world’s attention, it’s Dale who has been the steady foundation beneath his success. Throughout his long career, Eric has often credited his wife for keeping him grounded in a world filled with fame and chaos. “Dale has been my anchor,” he once said. “While the rest of the world went bonkers, she kept things grounded.”

For over six decades, their relationship has been one of remarkable stability—refreshingly free from the drama and betrayals that often fill celebrity relationships.

Their love story is a quiet one, filled with moments of simple joy, from home renovations to family gatherings. Despite their private nature, Eric has always acknowledged that Dale is the true decision-maker in their home, saying, “I just ask Dale what I’m allowed to say.”