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.