Eric Braeden Survived the Deadliest Shipwreck in History Where Over 9,000 People Died - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Eric Braeden is best known for his work on soap operas like The Young and the Restless, but his life is filled with remarkable circumstances that predate his 40-year run as Victor Newman.

Long before he had any prospects in the entertainment industry, Braeden was born into the chaos of World War II to German parents before being one of the fortunate survivors of the largest shipwreck ever recorded. .

Before Victor Newman, before Eric Braeden, there was Hans-Jörg Gudegast.

By bringing a deeper level of nuance to this villain, Braeden created a new soap opera archetype, and his popularity still hasn’t waned four decades after he debuted on the show. 

According to Soap Hub, Braeden went to Montana on a track and field scholarship after winning the German National Team Championship in the same sport

RELATED: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Actor Eric Braeden Has Only Won 1 Daytime Emmy For His Performance as Victor Newman