Eric Braeden, the talented actor best known for his role as Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless, has recently shared an update with his fans about a health challenge he’s been facing. At the age of 83, Braeden revealed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer while recovering from knee replacement surgery.
A Shocking Diagnosis
During a 13-minute Facebook Live session on Friday, Braeden opened up about the personal battle he’s been facing. As he was recuperating from his knee surgery, he started experiencing complications related to his prostate. Initially, it seemed like a routine issue, but further examination revealed that he had prostate cancer. He took to social media to explain the diagnosis and emphasized that he felt it was important to share his experience. “I hate to be this personal, but I think this may be good for some older guys who may or may not listen to this,” he said. “It’ll happen to them.”
Treatment and Recovery
Braeden shared that after his diagnosis, doctors were able to remove the cancer through a UroLift procedure, which is typically used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Following the surgery, he underwent a six-week immunotherapy treatment plan to aid in his recovery.
Despite the challenges, Braeden maintained a positive outlook. “I’m a little under the weather, but not really much,” he shared. “I’ve learned now to listen to my body more and not go all out. I’m gonna get it. And I’ll be in top form again soon.”
Braeden’s resilience and determination were evident as he spoke about his plans to overcome this health hurdle. “I will lick this,” he said, adding, “This bastard ain’t going to get me; I’m going to get it.”
Staying Strong for Fans and Family
Throughout his battle with cancer, Braeden has emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and leaning on the support of loved ones. His enduring passion for acting has also played a key role in his recovery. “I love acting, I entertain people. I love your support,” he shared with his fans. “So, whenever you have someone in the family who goes through this, support them. It can work out. Nowadays, there is so much advancement in cancer treatment, you can survive it.”
Braeden also mentioned that acting continues to be a major source of strength for him, providing a much-needed distraction from his health issues. He shared that knowing he’s making a difference by entertaining people keeps him motivated and focused on recovery.
Four Decades of Success on The Young and the Restless
Braeden’s career on The Young and the Restless spans over four decades, and he has become an iconic figure in the world of daytime television. Initially, Braeden’s character, Victor Newman, was intended to be a temporary guest role for only eight to twelve weeks. However, his performance quickly captured the audience’s attention, and he became one of the leading figures on the show, staying for over 40 years.
As Braeden celebrated his 45th anniversary on the show, he reflected on the success of his career. In an interview with TV Insider, he spoke about what he considers to be the key factors in his longevity in the industry. “You can’t really define someone’s success in this business. It’s a marriage of the right role, the right time, on the right network, surrounded by the right people. It’s serendipitous, really.”
When asked about his retirement plans, Braeden firmly stated, “No,” indicating that he has no plans to step away from the role anytime soon.
Personal Struggles and Resilience
Braeden has faced more than just health challenges in recent years. In addition to his cancer diagnosis, he also experienced a personal tragedy when he lost his home in the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Speaking about the emotional toll of the loss, Braeden explained, “It’s been kind of peculiar. Emotionally, you go through ups and downs, but we shall take it step by step. There are uncertainties regarding insurance, and it’s a very difficult situation.”
Despite the hardships, Braeden remains optimistic. Reflecting on the loss of his home, he shared a poignant memory of spending time with his wife and granddaughter before Christmas. “When I saw the ashes, I looked into the rubble and remembered my wife and my granddaughter, who we adore, sitting there before Christmas and having a wonderful conversation about her experiences and her travels. But you’re never really fully prepared for the unforeseen events in life.”
Braeden’s resilience shines through, as he acknowledged his difficult circumstances while remaining hopeful. He drew from his experiences growing up during the Second World War and expressed optimism despite the challenges. “I grew up during the Second World War, and that was arguably worse, so some of me is optimistic. You just look forward. S***w it all.”
Looking Forward
Despite the personal and professional challenges he has faced, Eric Braeden remains a beloved figure in the entertainment world. His continued dedication to his craft and his commitment to recovery serve as an inspiration to many. Fans of The Young and the Restless and Braeden’s supporters are rallying behind him as he navigates these difficult times.
As Braeden continues his treatment and recovery, he has shown that resilience, determination, and the support of loved ones can make a significant difference in overcoming adversity. Whether on-screen or in real life, Eric Braeden’s legacy as a performer and as a person continues to inspire those who follow his journey.
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