Updating Fans on His Cancer Battle, Young & Restless’ Eric Braeden Responds to a Message That Brings a Tear to His Eye
Thursday, May 4th, 2023
It was last month when Young & Restless fans were sent reeling after Eric Braeden revealed a bladder cancer diagnosis that had come after issues cropped up with his prostate. Although he was first given the all-clear by one doctor, a second examination told a different story.
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Indeed, Braeden refers to his initial misdiagnosis in his new interview with ET, in which he revealed that he’s “feeling pretty good” and “taking it on” when asked about his battle with bladder cancer.
The star is currently undergoing immunotherapy to combat high-grade cancer cells found after his surgery.
During the interview, Braeden became just a tad emotional when he received a special message from ESPN sports commentator Stephen A. Smith wishing him well. As many well know, the actor, as he puts it, is “from the sports world”, and so the video, in which he urged Braeden to “keep your head up” and “stay on the grind” meant a lot.
Although he appeared to pause to wipe away a tear after listening to Smith’s message, he wasn’t so overcome that he couldn’t take a playful jab at his pal’s TV viewing habits. Braeden joked of Smith, “One of the brightest people I’ve ever met, except he watches the wrong show. He watches General Hospital.” Of course, he followed up with, “I’m kidding.”
Circling back to the cancer diagnosis, Braeden assured concerned viewers, “This is manageable,” which is a relief to hear. See the full interview for more below:
Take a look at Eric Braeden playing Victor Newman through the years in our photo gallery.
Video: ET
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Image: Image: Columbia Pictures Television, Bell Dramatic Serial Co., CBS
1/20
<p>Victor fell in love with Nikki Reed when she was working as a stripper at The Bayou. He brought her home and taught her how to be a refined young woman. He initially resisted getting romantically involved with her, but eventually succumbed to her charms.</p> <p> </p>
Image: Image: Gene Arias/CBS
2/20
<p>Victor came to town to run Chancellor Industries for Katherine Chancellor. He went on to start his own company, Newman Enterprises, which thrives to this day.</p> <p> </p>
Image: Image: Columbia Pictures Television, Bell Dramatic Serial Co., CBS
3/20
<p>Victor is a fearless type who has been caught up in many dangerous scenarios and rescues over the years. Here, Victor, Paul Williams and Andy Richards are saving Nikki on a beach in St. Croix (actually on location in Los Angeles).</p>
Image: Image: John Paschal/JPI
4/20
<p>Ashley Abbott, sister of his rival, Jack Abbott, was a great love in Victor Newman’s life. Ashley and Nikki often vied for his love and became rivals themselves.</p> <p> </p>
Image: Image: John Paschal/JPI
5/20
<p>Jack Abbott and Victor Newman have spent a lifetime as arch-rivals, though their relationship has mellowed recently. The pair often did battle over women, Nikki in particular, and in business.</p> <p> </p>
Image: Image: Columbia Pictures Television, Bell Dramatic Serial Co., CBS
6/20
<p>Victor Newman has had over a dozen weddings. He once married author Leanna Love, unaware that she had written the tell-all book, Ruthless, about him at Jack’s behest, under a pen name. His closest friend, Douglas Austin served as best man.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>
Image: Image: Aaron Montgomery/JPI
7/20
<p>Katherine Chancellor was a dear friend to Victor Newman until her death. She was Victor’s first contact in Genoa City, and their friendship, based on mutual respect, spanned decades.</p> <p> </p>
Image: Image: John Paschal/JPI
8/20
<p>Victor Newman is a man of many talents with many skills outside of the business world. Whether on a dangerous mission, in the stables, or on the farm in Kansas, he can get the job done.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>
Image: Image: Brian Lowe/JPI
9/20
<p>Victor was no stranger to dangerous situations. Though he and Brad Carlton were often at odds, here they were on the same side, squaring off against a gunman.</p> <p> </p>
Image: Image: Brian Lowe/JPI
10/20
<p>Victor Newman is a formidable foe when he’s crossed. His bad side is not a good place to be, however rivals such as Brad Carlton butted heads with him repeatedly. </p> <p> </p>
Image: Image: Brian Lowe/JPI
11/20
<p>The Newman family is known for throwing gatherings from casual to galas. At this party, Victor took a moment to sound off to his son, Nick, and Phyllis.</p> <p> </p>
Image: Image: Aaron Montgomery/JPI
12/20
<p>Victor may have spent a lot of time behind desks and in boardrooms, but he always stayed in shape. He often hung out at the gym in the Genoa City Athletic Club. Here he pauses his workout to talk to Sharon.</p>
Image: Image: Aaron Montgomery/JPI
13/20
<p>Victor’s abiding love for his children and family are behind many of the decisions he has made over the years. Here he’s embracing Victoria, who is in the hospital.</p> <p> </p>
Image: Image: Aaron Montgomery/JPI
14/20
<p>Though Neil Winters worked for Victor on and off at Newman Enterprises, they also forged a friendship. Victor mentored Neil’s son, Devon, and was greatly saddened by Neil’s untimely death.</p> <p> </p>
Image: Image: Sean Smith/JPI
15/20
<p>Victor has precious little patience for those who try him. It’s often up to the people by his side to step in when he’s about to snap. Michael Baldwin, who was Victor’s lawyer and often confidante over the years, worked hard to keep him out of trouble.</p> <p> </p>
Image: Image: Sean Smith/JPI
16/20
<p>Victor never shied away from taking part in masquerade parties, often put together by his wife, Nikki. If Victor was stepping away to take a phone call, it’s very likely he was keeping tabs on someone or something dramatic was about to go down.</p> <p> </p>
Image: Image: Brian Lowe/JPI
17/20
<p>Many times Victor has found himself far away from Genoa City. Whether it be because he was pursuing a lead or starting a new life because he had amnesia he always found his way home again.</p> <p> </p>
Image: Image: Sean Smith/JPI
18/20
<p>Victor is most at home on his beloved Newman Ranch. While it’s been updated over the years, Nikki and Victor still relax there on the sofa, usually discussing the latest events in their children’s lives.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>
Image: Image: Sean Smith/JPI
19/20
<p>Victor’s preferred way to blow off steam and get exercise is by boxing. He’ll often challenge his male counterparts to sparring matches to size them up or intimidate them. Here he was spending time with Stitch Rayburn and Tyler Michaelson.</p>
Image: Image: Sean Smith/JPI
20/20
