For generations, one name has echoed through the halls of daytime drama—Victor Newman. But behind that powerful persona stands the equally captivating figure of Eric Braeden, whose career has spanned decades and whose fortune has grown just as impressively.
Born Hans-Jörg Gudegast on April 3, 1941, in Germany, Braeden’s journey to stardom began when he moved to the U.S. as a young man with a dream. By the 1960s, he had landed roles in shows like Combat, 12 O’Clock High, and Mission: Impossible. His first breakout moment came as Captain Hans Dietrich in The Rat Patrol, earning him serious recognition. But nothing could prepare the world—or Braeden himself—for what came next.
In 1980, he was cast as Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless. What was supposed to be a short-lived role exploded into a television legacy, with Braeden transforming Victor into one of the longest-running, most powerful characters in soap history. And with that role came not only fame but fortune.
By 2025, Braeden’s estimated net worth has soared to an astounding $20 million. While most soap stars earn a minimum of $1,517 per episode, Braeden—being the backbone of Y&R—is likely earning significantly more. After all, legends don’t come cheap.
Even outside the soap world, Braeden’s talents have shone. He’s graced screens in Murder, She Wrote, The Nanny, How I Met Your Mother, and even played John Jacob Astor IV in Titanic (1997). Despite his age, Braeden refuses to slow down, stating he still finds joy in portraying the complex, commanding, yet vulnerable Victor Newman.
Through contract battles, industry changes, and personal reflections, Eric Braeden remains unshakable—a true titan of television. Are you still captivated by Victor Newman’s reign? Let us know what his legacy means to you.
