Who is Eric Braeden's wife? Meet Dale Russel Gudegast

Eric Braeden, whose real name is Hans-Jörg Gudegast, is a German-American actor widely recognised for starring as Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless. Beyond his on-screen life, he is married and has a son. So, who is Eric Braeden's wife? His spouse, Dale Russell Gudegast, is an interior designer. Read more about her here.

Key takeaways

• Dale and Eric Braeden tied the knot in 1966, and have mastered the art of staying by each other’s side despite the pressures of having a relationship in the public domain.
• The couple have one child together, a son named Christian Gudegast.
• Christian followed in his father's footsteps and went into filmmaking.
• Eric and Dale tragically lost their home in the Los Angeles fires in 2025.

Dale Russel Gudegast’s profile summary

Who is Eric Braeden’s wife?

Most people yearn to find the right partner for them, their soulmates. But for Eric, he won at life. Not only did he marry his greatest cheerleader, but he also found a lifelong best friend. During a 2020 interview, Braeden appreciated his wife, Dale Russell Gudegast, saying:

I am grateful for the support I receive from my wife.

Dale Russell Gudegast and Eric Braeden crossed paths in college

The pair first met at Santa Monica College. She was enrolled as an art major. While speaking to The Montanan, Dale Russell Gudegast’s husband, Eric, revealed some facts that attracted him to her:

She was well-educated and very steeped in European literature. So, there was an affinity.

The couple married in 1966

Dale Russell Gudegast and Eric Braeden wedded on 8 October 1966. They have enjoyed marital bliss for 58 years.

In 1970, the pair welcomed their only child, Christian Gudegast. In a 2021 interview with People, Eric shared intricate details about his relationship with his son, stating:

He is my life's greatest gift. We catch up every night.

He also added:

Dale is not only understanding, but she is also a great mother to our son, Christian.

Dale's son has followed in his dad’s footsteps

Like Eric, Christian has pursued a career in the entertainment industry. He is a writer, filmmaker and director. One of his writing credits is the Den of Thieves (2018).

According to Deadline, Dale Russell Gudegast’s son also wrote and directed the upcoming sequel, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.

Dale Gudegast is a proud granny

Russell and Eric have three granddaughters. Christian has a daughter, Tatiana, from a previous relationship. He also shares two other daughters, Angelika and Oksana, with his wife Natasha.

Braeden frequently shares updates about Tatiana on social media but keeps her other granddaughters more private. On 9 March 2022, he celebrated her via an Instagram post that read:

Happy International Women’s Day, Tatiana! I am super proud of you.

She has always helped Eric make significant life decisions

The celebrity spouse has always been a trusted influence on her husband. An excerpt from Eric’s website bio reads:

Due to my wife’s low-key nature, many do not recognise her influence in my decisions. However, she is an integral part of my decision-making.

Dale Russell is supportive of her husband

Gudegast has been by her spouse’s side even before his Hollywood career began. In a 2011 interview with Coming of Age magazine, Eric opened up about the crucial role his wife has played in the man he is today, saying,

Dale stood by me long before I became famous, so I have a deep sense of loyalty to her.

The couple's home burnt down in the Los Angeles fires.

The couple was one of the Angelenos who lost their homes in the tragic fires in Los Angeles in early 2025.

Eric had this to say after losing almost all of their life possessions to the fire,

Emotionally, you go through ups and downs. But you’re never really fully prepared for the unforeseen events in life.

FAQs

Over the years, the actor’s prominence has attracted interest in those around him. Below are some frequently asked questions about Eric Braeden’s family:

Is Eric Braeden married in real life?

Braeden and his college sweetheart, Dale Gudegast, married in 1966 and are still going strong. They are considered one of the industry’s power couples.

How old is Eric Braeden’s wife?

Eric Braeden's wife's age is 83 years old as of 2025. She was born on 21 June 1942 in Los Angeles, California, per her IMDb profile.

What does Dale Russell Gudegast do?

Gudegast has worked as a pillow and interior designer since her college days. In 2002, she starred in Holiday in the Sun. Nonetheless, the celebrity wife prefers keeping her life and career away from the spotlight.

Who are Eric Braeden’s children?

Eric and his wife only have one child, a son named Christian. The celebrity child was raised and still lives in Los Angeles.

What is Eric Braeden’s net worth?

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Eric is worth $20 million. His income primarily stems from his successful 64-year acting career.

Does Eric Braeden have a daughter?

No, he only has one son named Christian.

Is Eric Braeden separated from his wife?

No, the pair is still together. They have been together for more than six decades.

What does Eric Braeden's son do for a living?

Christian is a producer, writer and director. He has writing credits in popular films such as Den of Thieves (2018).

How old is Eric Braeden?

Eric Braeden is 84 years old as of 2025.

Did Eric Braeden's wife pass away?

No, Eric Braeden's wife is alive.

Who was Victor Newman's first wife

Victor Newman's first wife on The Young and the Restless was Julia Newman, played by the late Meg Bennett.

Who is Eric Braeden's wife? The actor is married to Dale Russel Gudegast, a mother, wife and confidant. Her support for her husband’s career is unmatched. Dale often graces events celebrating her better half despite her preference for a life away from the limelight.

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Mariellen Bergman, best known as Peter Bergman's wife, has supported her husband throughout his long and illustrious career. Read on to find out more about the celebrity wife.

Source: Briefly News