#Eric Braeden

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Eric Braeden as Bernhard Stieglitz in Kolchak: The Night Stalker episode "The Werewolf"

Watercolors on Paper, 8.5" x 11", 2024

By Josh Ryals

[clemsfilmdiary]

Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970, Joseph Sargent)

Also known as: The Forbin Project

3/21/24

[psychobiddy]

Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970, dir. Joseph Sargent)

[classic-soaps]

Ad in the December 1, 1986, issue of Us magazine.

[lobbycards]

Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Italian Lobby Card (Fotobusta). 1971

[loveboatinsanity]

[tiny-librarian]

Charlotte Chatton and Eric Braeden as Madeleine Astor and John Jacob Astor in Titanic, taken from Charlotte's Instagram story.

[theballadofmickandkeith]

Victor Newman is a Stones fan lol.

[onairwithdouglasclassics]

Eric Braeden: A Legendary Career

Eric Braeden, born Hans-Jörg Gudegast on April 3, 1941, in Bredenbek, Germany, is a distinguished actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Victor Newman on the CBS daytime soap opera "The Young and the Restless." Braeden's journey from a small German village to Hollywood stardom is a testament to his talent, determination, and resilience.

Braeden emigrated to the United States in 1959 and attended the University of Montana, where he developed an interest in acting. His early career saw him taking on various roles in television and film, often under his birth name. He appeared in popular TV shows like "Combat!" and "The Rat Patrol," gaining recognition for his work in action and drama genres.

Breakthrough and Rise to Fame

In the late 1960s, Braeden adopted the stage name Eric Braeden, which he felt would be more marketable in the American entertainment industry. His big break came with a starring role in the 1970 film "Colossus: The Forbin Project," where he played the lead role of Dr. Charles Forbin. The film's success helped establish Braeden as a versatile actor capable of handling complex roles.

Braeden continued to build his career with roles in TV series such as "Hawaii Five-O," "Gunsmoke," "The Six Million Dollar Man," and "Wonder Woman." His performance as the ruthless Nazi officer in the 1971 film "Escape from the Planet of the Apes" further showcased his ability to portray intense and commanding characters.

Victor Newman: The Titan of Genoa City

Introduction to "The Young and the Restless"

In 1980, Eric Braeden was cast as Victor Newman on "The Young and the Restless." Originally intended to be a short-term role, Victor quickly became a central character due to Braeden's compelling performance and the character's complex nature. Victor Newman, the powerful and enigmatic businessman, has since become one of the most iconic figures in daytime television.

Major Storylines and Character Development

Victor's Rise to Power: Victor Newman is introduced as a self-made billionaire with a mysterious past. His rise to power involves ruthless business tactics, cunning strategies, and an unwavering determination to succeed. Victor's business acumen and relentless pursuit of control make him a formidable figure in Genoa City.

Newman Enterprises: As the founder and CEO of Newman Enterprises, Victor is a dominant force in the business world. His leadership and vision drive the company's success, but his methods often lead to conflicts with family members and rivals. Victor's management of Newman Enterprises is a central theme of the show, highlighting his ambition and resilience.

Turbulent Relationships: Victor's personal life is marked by tumultuous relationships, most notably with Nikki Reed (Melody Thomas Scott). Their on-again, off-again romance is a cornerstone of "The Young and the Restless," characterized by passion, betrayal, and reconciliation. Victor's marriages to other women, including Ashley Abbott (Eileen Davidson) and Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters), also contribute to the drama and complexity of his character.

Family Dynamics: Victor's relationships with his children—Victoria, Nicholas, Adam, and Abby—are fraught with tension and conflict. His high expectations and controlling nature often lead to power struggles and emotional turmoil within the Newman family. Victor's efforts to mentor and guide his children, while maintaining control over them, create ongoing drama and intrigue.

Business Rivalries: Victor's rivalry with Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) is one of the longest-running and most intense feuds in soap opera history. Their battles over business, personal vendettas, and family loyalty provide gripping storylines that have captivated audiences for decades. Victor's other adversaries, including Jabot Cosmetics and various corporate foes, add to the high-stakes drama of his character's life.

Health Struggles and Vulnerability: Throughout his time on the show, Victor has faced numerous health crises, including heart attacks, a life-threatening illness, and even a brief period of blindness. These storylines reveal Victor's vulnerability and humanize his character, showing that even a titan like Victor is not invincible.

Legal Troubles and Redemption: Victor's actions often lead to legal consequences, including arrests, trials, and imprisonments. His brushes with the law add layers to his character, portraying him as a complex individual capable of both great success and profound mistakes. Despite his flaws, Victor's capacity for redemption and self-reflection endears him to fans.

Eric Braeden's Legacy

Eric Braeden's portrayal of Victor Newman has earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1998. His dedication to the role and his ability to bring depth and nuance to Victor Newman have made him a beloved figure in the world of daytime television.

Beyond "The Young and the Restless," Braeden has continued to work in film and television, maintaining a presence in the entertainment industry. His memoir, "I'll Be Damned: How My Young and Restless Life Led Me to America's #1 Daytime Drama," published in 2017, offers an intimate look at his life, career, and the experiences that shaped him.

Personal Life

Eric Braeden is married to Dale Russell, and they have one son, Christian Gudegast, a successful screenwriter and director. Braeden's commitment to his family and his passion for acting are central to his life. He is also known for his involvement in various charitable causes and his advocacy for issues close to his heart.

Conclusion

Eric Braeden's career is a testament to his talent, resilience, and enduring appeal. His portrayal of Victor Newman has left an indelible mark on the world of daytime television, and his contributions to the entertainment industry are celebrated by fans and peers alike. As Victor Newman, Braeden continues to captivate audiences with his powerful performances, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.

[of-fear-and-love]

Eric Braeden in Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970)

[erstwhile-punk-guerito]

[streamondemand]

Leaving soon: 'Colossus: The Forbin Project' on Criterion Channel

Long before The Terminator and The Matrix there was Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970), the godfather of all digital dystopia films where computers challenge humanity. Set in the depths of a Cold War in the not-so-near future (at least from the vantage point of 1970),  the American Government takes a bold step in the arms race by creating a vast underground electronic brain to control the…

[2ndaryprotocol]

The hot-headed ‘Heat’-esque heist pic ‘Den Of Thieves’ hit theaters this week 5 years ago. 🚨💰🔥

“𝙿𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚊𝚢.”

[bamnbamn]

I had a crush on this man, y’all!

I used to watch Young and the Restless with my mom and grandma.

[camyfilms]

TITANIC 1997

I mean, I love waking up in the morning not knowing what's gonna happen or, who I'm gonna meet, where I'm gonna wind up. Just the other night I was sleeping under a bridge and now here I am on the grandest ship in the world having champagne with you fine people. I figure life's a gift and I don't intend on wasting it. You learn to take life as it comes at you... to make each day count.

[lobbycards]

Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Italian Lobby Card (Fotobusta). 1971