What is Eric Braeden's Net Worth and Salary?
Eric Braeden is an actor and former athlete with a net worth of $20 million. Best known for his diverse roles on television and film since the 1960s, his popular credits include "The Young and the Restless," "The Rat Patrol," "Colossus: The Forbin Project," "Escape from the Planet of the Apes," and "Titanic." His portrayal of Victor Newman on "The Young and the Restless" earned him a Daytime Emmy Award in 1998.
Early Life and Education
Born Hans-Jörg Gudegast on April 3, 1941, in Bredenbek, Germany, Eric Braeden survived the sinking of the MV Wilhelm Gustloff during Operation Hannibal as a child. He later moved to the United States as a young adult and attended the University of Montana.
Television Career
In his early years in the U.S., Braeden appeared in over 100 television roles. Notable early credits include "Combat!," "12 O'Clock High," and "Mission: Impossible." From 1966 to 1968, he starred as Captain Hans Dietrich on "The Rat Patrol." He also appeared in "Hawaii Five-O," "The Young Rebels," "Mannix," "Gunsmoke," and "Barnaby Jones." His television films during the 1970s included "The Mask of Sheba," "The Judge and Jake Wyler," "Death Race," and "Death Scream." His later TV roles featured appearances on "Wonder Woman," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Kojak," and "CHiPs."
Since 1980, Braeden has famously played Victor Newman on "The Young and the Restless." Originally intended to be a short-term role, his character's popularity extended his contract. His performance earned him multiple Daytime Emmy nominations, with a win in 1998. Other guest roles include "Airwolf," "Murder, She Wrote," "The Nanny," "The Bold and the Beautiful," and "How I Met Your Mother." He also appeared in the miniseries "Lucky Chances."
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Film Career
Braeden's film debut was in the 1961 crime film "Operation Eichmann," followed by a role in the 1965 war film "Morituri." He gained significant roles in "Dayton's Devils" and "100 Rifles." In 1970, he starred as Dr. Charles Forbin in "Colossus: The Forbin Project" and as another scientist in "Escape from the Planet of the Apes." Other film credits include "Lady Ice," "The Adulteress," "The Ultimate Thrill," and "Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo."
Returning to film in the 1990s, Braeden played a key role in "The Ambulance" and portrayed John Jacob Astor IV in "Titanic," recounting filming his character's drowning as a frightening experience. He later appeared in "Meet the Deedles," "The Man Who Came Back," and "Den of Thieves," directed by his son Christian.
(Photo by Pool Barson/FilmMagic)
Athletic Career
Before acting, Braeden was an athlete in track and field, winning the 1958 German National Team Championship with Rendsburger TSV. In the U.S., he played soccer, winning the 1973 National Challenge Cup with Maccabee Los Angeles. He has also participated in boxing and tennis.
Personal Life
In 1966, Braeden married his college sweetheart, Dale Russell. Their son Christian is a filmmaker. In spring 2023, Braeden announced his diagnosis with bladder cancer, discovered while recovering from knee-replacement surgery and during prostate treatments.
