Actor Eric Braeden and Dale Russell Gudegast attend the CBS Daytime event at The Paley Center for Media
The Woman Behind the Legend
While her husband has been in the spotlight for decades as Victor Newman on the hit CBS soap opera "The Young and the Restless," Dale Russell Gudegast has primarily maintained a life away from the cameras, making her one of Hollywood's most private spouses.
Born on November 17, 1941, in Bakersfield, California, Dale has been the cornerstone of support in Eric Braeden's life since before his rise to fame. Their remarkable journey together spans over five decades, a rarity in the entertainment industry.
"My wife has been supportive of me since we first knew each other, long before I became well known. I have an enormous sense of deep loyalty to her and we've been very supportive of each other."
— Eric Braeden
Personal Life & Background
Dale Suzanne Russell grew up in California and attended a private high school in Los Angeles. Her sister, Sigrid Valdis, was also an actress who notably appeared in "Hogan's Heroes" before passing away in 2007 from lung cancer.
Standing 5'10" with blonde hair and blue eyes, Dale was an art major in college when she first crossed paths with Eric Braeden (then known as Hans-Jörg Gudegast), who was studying economics and philosophy at Santa Monica College.
According to Eric, Dale "went to a Catholic school" and "was well-educated, very steeped in European literature... so there was an affinity" between them. This intellectual and cultural connection helped form the foundation of their lasting relationship.
While maintaining a relatively private lifestyle, Dale has occasionally joined her husband at industry events, including his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2007, his 25th anniversary celebration for "The Young and the Restless" in 2005, and the signing of his memoir "I'll Be Damned" in 2017.
Profile Details
- Full Name: Dale Suzanne Russell
- Born: November 17, 1941
- Birthplace: Bakersfield, California
- Nationality: American
- Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
- Education: Art major in college
- Sibling: Sigrid Valdis (deceased)
- Residence: Los Angeles, California
- Known for: Marriage to Eric Braeden
Professional Life & Career
Unlike her husband, Dale has maintained a career largely outside of the entertainment spotlight. She has worked as an interior designer and pillow designer, applying her artistic education to create beautiful living spaces.
Her only credited acting appearance was in the 2001 film "Holiday in the Sun," starring Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, where she played a chauffeur. This brief foray into acting came decades after her husband had established himself as a television star.
According to recent reports, Dale is currently working on a book about her life experiences, with a focus on her long marriage and personal journey alongside one of daytime television's most recognizable faces.
While she has kept much of her professional life private, those close to the couple note that Dale's creative talents and eye for design have been evident in their beautiful Los Angeles home, valued at approximately $4.5 million and covering 5,674 square feet.
"Because Dale is so private, people don't realize how much she influences what I do or don't do. I make many decisions only after consulting her. She has been a supportive and calming influence in my life."
— Eric Braeden
A Remarkable Marriage
Eric Braeden attending a CBS event for "The Young and the Restless"
1964: The Beginning
Dale and Eric met on the set of "Combat" where Eric was working. They began as friends before their relationship deepened into romance.
October 8, 1966: Wedding Day
The couple married in a small, intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family, beginning what would become one of Hollywood's most enduring marriages.
February 9, 1970: Welcoming Their Son
Dale gave birth to their only child, Christian Gudegast, who would later follow in his father's creative footsteps as a writer, producer, and director.
1980: Eric Joins "The Young and the Restless"
With Dale's support, Eric took on the role of Victor Newman, which would define his career for the next four decades and counting.
2000s: Becoming Grandparents
The couple welcomed three granddaughters: Tatiana (from Christian's previous relationship), and Oksana and Angelika (from Christian's marriage to jewelry designer Natasha).
2016: Golden Anniversary
Dale and Eric celebrated 50 years of marriage, a remarkable milestone that few Hollywood couples achieve.
The Secret to Their Lasting Union
When asked about the secret to their enduring marriage, Eric has emphasized that beyond love, it's essential to genuinely like your partner. "I would say that the most important thing is that you not only love the person, but that you really like the person," he explained in a 2011 interview.
He elaborated, "That means that you like who they are, that you like being with them. You like having conversations with them. You obviously share the most extraordinary things in life with them."
Dale has been described by her husband as a "forgiving, understanding woman" and a "wonderful mother" to their son Christian. In 1997, Dale told PEOPLE magazine that Eric is as "endearing as no one else can be."
Today, the couple continues to reside in Los Angeles, enjoying time with their family, including their beloved grandchildren, whom Eric adores: "There's nothing like being a grandpa to my three granddaughters: Tatiana, Oksana and Angelika. Anything they want, boom."
Legacy and Influence
While Eric Braeden has been the public face of their partnership, appearing in thousands of episodes of "The Young and the Restless" and receiving numerous accolades including a Daytime Emmy Award, Dale's influence on his success cannot be understated.
Eric has frequently credited Dale with being the foundation that allowed his career to flourish, providing stability, wisdom, and unwavering support through the ups and downs of life in the entertainment industry.
Their son Christian has followed in his father's creative footsteps, becoming a successful filmmaker. He wrote and directed "Den of Thieves" (2018) starring Gerard Butler and is working on its sequel, "Den of Thieves 2: Pantera." His previous writing credits include "A Man Apart" (2003) and "London Has Fallen" (2016).
In an industry often marked by fleeting relationships and changing partners, Dale and Eric's enduring marriage stands as a testament to commitment, mutual respect, and genuine friendship—qualities that have defined their partnership for over five decades.
"My family is the world to me, because in the end, who else do you have?"
— Eric Braeden