Eric Braeden, known to millions as the iconic Victor Newman from the long-running soap opera *The Young and the Restless*, has been a towering presence in television for decades. However, beneath the surface of his illustrious career, Braeden has faced significant health challenges that have profoundly affected his life. This in-depth exploration delves into the actor’s life, career, health struggles, and the impact these challenges have had on his legacy.

—

**Early Life and Rise to Fame**

Eric Braeden was born Hans Jörg Gudegast on April 3, 1941, in Bredenbek, Germany. He immigrated to the United States in 1959, where he attended Montana State University on a track and field