Eric Braden’s Battle with Cancer and His Retirement Plans: An Icon Still Going Strong
2024 was a tough year for soap opera legend Eric Braden, known for his iconic role as Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless.
The year saw Braden facing a cancer diagnosis, undergoing treatments, and ultimately emerging victorious in his battle. Given his age and the health challenges he’s faced, many fans have been wondering if Braden might be considering retirement.
Recently, the star opened up about his future plans, giving fans some much-needed insight into his thoughts on stepping away from the spotlight. Let’s dive into the details.
Victor Newman’s Tumultuous Life vs. Eric Braden’s Real-Life Resilience
On Y&R, Victor Newman’s life has been nothing short of chaotic. From intense confrontations with foes like Jordan to holding his family together amidst turmoil and even dealing with Nikki’s struggle with addiction, it’s been a whirlwind for the character.
But in real life, Eric Braden mirrors Victor’s resilience. Despite his personal health battle, Braden has shown incredible strength, and his transparency throughout his cancer journey has been inspiring to many.
The actor courageously shared his experience with bladder cancer, keeping fans updated on his path from diagnosis to the twists and turns of treatment. In August, a major turning point came when Braden proudly announced that he was officially cancer-free during a heartfelt Facebook Live session.
His message to fans was full of gratitude and relief: “As of a few days ago, I’m cancer-free. They couldn’t find the damn thing. Thank you for all of your good thoughts and prayers. They meant a great deal to me.”
Dancing Through the Fear
Although cancer’s shadow can loom large, Eric Braden has shown that even the strongest spirits can push through.
He embraced life with positivity, posting a video in January 2024 where he danced to the ’90s hit song “Missing” by Everything But The Girl. Braden proved that he’s not just surviving; he’s thriving.
In his video caption, Braden declared, “Feeling better and better. Fu cancer!” It was a powerful reminder that he’s not letting anything hold him back.
Fans Worried About Retirement
Naturally, many fans have been concerned that Braden, now 83 years old, might be ready to retire—especially after his cancer diagnosis. With decades in the industry and a battle against illness, the possibility seemed real.
But Braden quickly put those worries to rest, showing that he’s far from done. His love for his craft keeps him going, and there’s still plenty of energy and passion left in him for portraying Victor Newman.
In an August 2023 interview with Fox News, Braden was asked directly about his retirement plans. His response: a resounding “No! Hell no! No no!” It was clear that retirement isn’t on his radar.
Retirement Not So Fast
Eric Braden humorously brushed off the idea of retirement, noting that he’s seen friends and colleagues retire, only to be faced with the question, “Now what?”
Despite an illustrious career spanning almost 100 TV shows and numerous films since 1961, Braden emphasized that retirement has never crossed his mind.
The reason? Beyond the steady paycheck, it’s the genuine love for what he does. “I enjoy doing what I’m doing. I really do,” he shared, explaining that the sense of satisfaction he gets after completing a scene is what fuels him to keep going.
The Secret to His Long-Lasting Marriage
Of course, behind every strong man is an equally strong partner. Braden’s wife, Dale Russell G. Gast, has been by his side for over 50 years, supporting him through the ups and downs of life, including health struggles and mood swings.
Braden credits her as his “ride or die,” and in interviews, he shared the secret to their long-lasting marriage. It’s not just about tolerance and acceptance, but also a deep respect and admiration for one another.
“Really liking and respecting the person is what it’s all about,” Braden said.
Eric Braden Isn’t Going Anywhere
So, for all the fans who’ve been anxiously wondering about Eric Braden’s future, rest assured the soap icon isn’t going anywhere. Expect to see him continue rocking his alter ego, Victor Newman, for years to come.
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