2023 was a year filled with both challenges and triumphs for Eric Braeden, the beloved soap opera legend known for his role as Victor

Newman on The Young and the Restless. At 83 years old, Braeden faced a serious health scare after being diagnosed with bladder cancer.

Despite the gravity of the situation, he kept his fans updated throughout his battle, showing remarkable resilience—much like his onscreen character.

A Battle Fought and Won Eric Braeden’s journey through cancer treatment was no easy feat. Diagnosed with bladder cancer, he took to social media to share his experience, guiding fans through his treatments and the emotional toll it took. The turning point in his fight came in August 2023, when Braeden joyfully announced during a Facebook Live session that he was officially cancer-free. “As of a few days ago, I’m cancer-free… they couldn’t find the damn thing,” he said with palpable relief, thanking his fans for their unwavering support.

Despite the relief of remission, Braeden acknowledged the lingering fear of cancer’s potential return. But rather than letting anxiety take hold, he chose to live life with optimism. He even shared a video of himself dancing to “Missing” by Everything but the Girl in January 2023, showing that he wasn’t just surviving—he was thriving. His caption, “Feeling better and better, FU cancer!” encapsulated his fighting spirit.

Retirement Rumors Quashed Given Braeden’s age and recent health challenges, it’s no surprise that fans began speculating about his possible retirement from The Young and the Restless. After all, Braeden has portrayed Victor Newman for over four decades, and many assumed he might be ready to step down. However, during an August 2023 interview with Fox News, Braeden put those rumors to rest, making it clear that he has no plans to retire anytime soon.

When asked about his future on the show, his response was a resounding “No, hell no!” He humorously pointed out that he had seen colleagues retire only to find themselves at a loss for what to do next, jokingly dismissing the idea of playing pickleball in his golden years. For Braeden, his work is much more than a steady paycheck—it’s his passion. He expressed that he still genuinely enjoys acting and finds immense satisfaction in his performances, a feeling that keeps him going even after decades in the industry.

The Secret to His Longevity Braeden credits his longevity not just to his passion for acting, but also to the strong support system he has at home. He and his wife, Dale Russell Gudegast, have been married for over 50 years, weathering countless ups and downs together. Braeden often speaks of their enduring bond, attributing their success to mutual respect, acceptance, and a deep-rooted friendship.

While Braeden’s battle with cancer may have been a difficult chapter in his life, it’s clear that he’s not ready to hang up Victor Newman’s boots just yet. His resilience, both on and off the screen, continues to inspire fans, and they can rest assured that they’ll be seeing much more of him in The Young and the Restless for the foreseeable future.

Stay tuned for more updates on the legendary actor and his iconic role.