with his remarkable strength both on-screen and off. 2023 brought formidable challenges for the soap icon, with a
diagnosis of bladder cancer followed by a rigorous treatment journey. Despite this, Braeden’s resilience shone through, mirroring the toughness of his beloved character. Emerging victorious in his fight against cancer, he took to social media to announce his remission, stating gratefully, “As of a few days ago, I’m cancer-free.”
Yet, with his triumph came an inevitable question: will Braeden retire? At 83, having devoted decades to his craft, fans speculated he might consider stepping away. However, Braeden quickly laid those rumors to rest. In an August interview, he emphatically declared that retirement isn’t on his radar, quipping that he’s far from ready to take it easy with something like pickleball. Instead, he shared that his passion for acting fuels him to keep portraying Victor Newman, a role he’s inhabited for over four decades. He explained that it’s the satisfaction of bringing a scene to life that keeps him coming back, a feeling he truly cherishes.
In his real life, Braeden finds immense support in his wife, Dale Russell G. Gast, his partner of over 50 years. Their enduring bond has been strengthened by mutual respect and admiration, qualities he sees as foundational to their relationship. Despite the ups and downs, Dale has been by his side through it all, especially during his health struggles, grounding him in life’s most difficult moments.
Now, with his cancer battle behind him, Braeden exudes a renewed vitality. In early 2024, he even posted a video of himself dancing to “Missing” by Everything But the Girl, playfully declaring, “Fu cancer!” The powerful display of his spirit reassured fans that he’s not just surviving but thriving.
As fans ponder his future, they can rest assured that Victor Newman isn’t going anywhere soon. Eric Braeden’s resilience and dedication promise that he’ll continue bringing Victor to life for years to come. So for now, we can hold off on farewells and look forward to many more dramatic twists from our favorite soap legend
