Eric Braeden, beloved for his role as Victor Newman on “The Young and the Restless,” has captivated fans for years. Off-screen, he bravely battled and defeated cancer. Recently, a video of Braeden on social media emerged, prompting warm reactions from netizens.
![Eric Braeden stars as Victor Newman in the long-running American TV soap "The Young and the Restless." | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/6509086dab5582f05316289ffaee03e5c36699f12877923160c4994d522ab670.jpg)
Eric Braeden stars as Victor Newman in the long-running American TV soap “The Young and the Restless.” | Source: Getty Images
In a recent Instagram video, Eric Braeden shared his excitement over a women’s college basketball tournament that featured star player Caitlin Clark. Wearing a matching black shirt and jacket, along with eyeglasses, Braeden’s enthusiasm was clearly palpable.
![A screenshot of Eric Braeden in his latest video where he shares his thoughts on the recent women's college basketball tournament, posted in April 2024 | Source: Instagram/ericbraedengudegast](https://cdn.amomama.com/94e407a73a28ad17183ad935c5c07897f827a4a7ff413e9b2a443ede5ac21fdf.png)
A screenshot of Eric Braeden in his latest video where he shares his thoughts on the recent women’s college basketball tournament, posted in April 2024 | Source: Instagram/ericbraedengudegast
Braeden remarked, “It was an exciting women’s tournament, I must say…obviously, Caitlin Clark, what you did was incredible, really. You’re a fantastic athlete,” praising the young woman’s performance.
![A screenshot of Eric Braeden smiling in the video. | Source: Instagram/ericbraedengudegast](https://cdn.amomama.com/66d665d65f9a9474b8bfc24cd2db16cf73cc9855922673f4da63ab5bc9d378c9.png)
A screenshot of Eric Braeden smiling in the video. | Source: Instagram/ericbraedengudegast
However, fans were quick to express their concerns for his health along with their well-wishes, highlighting the depth of their affection and concern for the veteran actor.
The comments from fans ranged from observations about his health to outright expressions of support. One fan noted, “I hope you are well, your breathing is suspect,” indicating concern over his physical condition.
![Eric Braeden arrives at his book signing for "I'll Be Damned: How My Young And Restless Life Led Me To America's #1 Daytime Drama" at Barnes & Noble at The Grove on February 13, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Image](https://cdn.amomama.com/1181dc28622b089dfee498531940b1ba508cd71abfaeaa0f4310fe85a3fc6e0f.jpeg)
Eric Braeden arrives at his book signing for “I’ll Be Damned: How My Young And Restless Life Led Me To America’s #1 Daytime Drama” at Barnes & Noble at The Grove on February 13, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Image
Some fans also reflected on Braeden’s impact both on and off the screen. He is known for his character, Victor Newman, in the CBS soap opera “The Young and the Restless.”
![Eric Braeden as "Victor Newman" in the CBS daytime drama "The Young and the Restless" on the CBS Television Network | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/4fd53cc7dc39c4abc711514c0f7920ab5c319dfdabb64c7b8ed459ac4e676ed0.jpeg)
Eric Braeden as “Victor Newman” in the CBS daytime drama “The Young and the Restless” on the CBS Television Network | Source: Getty Images
Another supporter chimed in, “When Victor Newman speaks wisdom we all listen well spoken well spoken Mr Newman aka Eric love you.”
Amidst this wave of support, Braeden recently shared a positive update about his health, saying, “My cancer diagnosis right now is on hold, as it were, and [I’m] very grateful for very good doctors and very good modern cancer treatment which has improved enormously.”
![A screenshot of Eric Braeden revealing that his cancer diagnosis is currently "on hold" in an interview with ET on April 10, 2024. | Source: YouTube/EntertainmentTonight](https://cdn.amomama.com/239baa54f767fce24447de3f03b80529add2e99ccc82366585a61a5767abf446.png)
A screenshot of Eric Braeden revealing that his cancer diagnosis is currently “on hold” in an interview with ET on April 10, 2024. | Source: YouTube/EntertainmentTonight
He further urged, “People shouldn’t be afraid of it, you know. Just go and have your cystoscopy, have your colonoscopy, have your heart checked out. Do all that, do it in time.” Braeden’s current state of good health contrasts sharply with the challenges he faced nearly a year ago.
![A screenshot of Eric Braeden encouraging people to undergo medical examinations with their doctor in an interview with ET on April 10, 2024. | Source: YouTube/EntertainmentTonight](https://cdn.amomama.com/80f70339dd18adc0a94c3ca9d5d281d0de6e5d58fa93b337e5b19d3931d9f17e.png)
A screenshot of Eric Braeden encouraging people to undergo medical examinations with their doctor in an interview with ET on April 10, 2024. | Source: YouTube/EntertainmentTonight
![Eric Braeden reveals his cancer diagnosis in video on April 22, 2023 | Source: Facebook/officialericbraeden](https://cdn.amomama.com/35f098d8d31ed228951942d8e318101554c38075f757386dad85ba91c3144d4b.png)
Eric Braeden reveals his cancer diagnosis in video on April 22, 2023 | Source: Facebook/officialericbraeden
Initially hesitant to share personal information, Braeden believed his experience could benefit older men and encouraged them to take his advice to heart.
During treatment for prostate issues and before his UroLift procedure, doctors found high-grade cancer cells near his bladder, he revealed. He detailed undergoing a six-week course of immunotherapy to treat these cells.
Braeden realized the importance of being attuned to his body’s signals, admitting to feeling under the weather but remaining defiant against the illness. “I’ve learned now to listen to my body more, and not go all out,” he said.
![Eric Braeden enjoys a nature trip on April 23, 2023. | Source: Instagram/ericbraedengudegast](https://cdn.amomama.com/17ff4bae3551399634d6c9249bd27556c2bdc82e59d4dfea741d69c27ec1c997.png)
Eric Braeden enjoys a nature trip on April 23, 2023. | Source: Instagram/ericbraedengudegast
“So if you’ve seen me a little under the weather, yeah, I have been, but I will lick this. This bastard ain’t going to get me, I’m going to get it. I’ll be in top form again soon,” Braeden expressed with determination.
Even with his cancer diagnosis, he was set on continuing his soap opera role. He emotionally shared his love for acting and gratitude for fan support, encouraging people to support family members in similar fights.
He also highlighted the significant advancements in cancer treatment, emphasizing the possibility of overcoming the disease. Six months into his recovery journey, Braeden’s optimistic outlook has proven to be beneficial and rewarding.
In August 2023, Braeden announced his victory over cancer, sharing, “As of three days ago, I am cancer-free.” He also acknowledged his supporters. “I thank you for all of your good thoughts, all of your prayers,” he said, adding that they “meant a great deal” to him.
![Eric Braeden celebrating his 40th Anniversary on "Young and the Restless" at CBS TV City on February 7, 2020, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/8880d7ef787d8a3c31dec6927ebf7964e583a16aea92136696b9b9b9c312282a.jpeg)
Eric Braeden celebrating his 40th Anniversary on “Young and the Restless” at CBS TV City on February 7, 2020, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Braeden expressed happiness in getting older, emphasizing his love for life and work. “I love life, man. Why wouldn’t I? I’m working on the No. 1 show. It has been No. 1 for 38 years now. Why would I complain? That would be obscene,” he said.
However, Braeden remains cautious, acknowledging that his journey isn’t over and that he needs further tests to monitor his condition.
![A screenshot of Eric Braeden discussing his battle with cancer on KCAL News on February 17, 2024. | Source: YouTube.com/kcalnews](https://cdn.amomama.com/96ca14e1257e82403970f5290de92f7bb95d0a04ea50541c9e9efb7ace6e4df0.png)
A screenshot of Eric Braeden discussing his battle with cancer on KCAL News on February 17, 2024. | Source: YouTube.com/kcalnews
In September 2023, in an interview with “Today,” Braeden shared that he was ready to get back to his everyday life, feeling healthy and moving on from his health issues. “I already am (in fighting shape). I’ve already kind of forgotten about it,” he said.
“I have enormous respect for medicine because you realize it’s not only a science, but it’s also an art. Why, for example, did the first urologist not detect the cancer when only a few months later the other one did?” he said.
While he assured that he was feeling well, he shared that his medical team was looking into whether his cancer was inherited or caused by environmental factors, especially since his brother had a similar issue.
![A screenshot of Eric Braeden working out at home. | Source: Instagram/ericbraedengudegast](https://cdn.amomama.com/d3e201446f23a4d56a00f25673e04365cd953dd2c05fd1b7a24c56e2a5d8065a.png)
A screenshot of Eric Braeden working out at home. | Source: Instagram/ericbraedengudegast
Witnessing his brother’s health struggle inspired Braeden to publicly share his story to help others. The actor is now passionate about using his experience to encourage others to be proactive about their health.
![A screenshot captures Eric Braeden engaged in a boxing session. | Source: Instagram/ericbraedengudegast](https://cdn.amomama.com/da0001f72c0427ddccc35a8f0355542013e65b9a625cb6edb7da549e6e21dc32.png)
A screenshot captures Eric Braeden engaged in a boxing session. | Source: Instagram/ericbraedengudegast
For him, knowing what a person is up against health-wise is crucial. He likened it to facing an adversary, “I want to know my enemy. When someone threatens me, I come after them.”
His message is clear: regular check-ups and screenings can make a significant difference in managing health issues. “The more preventive we are, the easier it is to treat things,” Braeden emphasized.