Born Hans Jörg Gudegast on April 3, 1941 in Bredenbek, Germany, Eric Braeden is an Emmy Award winning film and television actor whose notable roles include Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless. Originally hailing from Germany, he immigrated to the United States in 1959, holding dual citizenship. During his early stay in America, he garnered a number of TV and film credits. He had a notable role on the television series The Rat Patrol in 1966 and a starring role in the film Colossus: The Forbin Project in 1970, where he first took the stage name Eric Braeden. He also had a supporting role in the 1971 film, Escape from the Planet of the Apes. Also in the 1970s, Braeden appeared on the television series The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Wonder Woman. 1980 saw him taking the role of Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless, winning a Daytime Emmy Award for his portrayal in 1998. In 1997, Braeden appeared on the blockbuster hit movie Titanic, playing John Jacob Astor IV. He is set to receive his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on the 20th of July, 2007.
Victor Christian Newman is portrayed by Eric Braeden in The Young and the Restless. Victor is a wealthy and prominent business tycoon and the most powerful man in Genoa City. From rags to riches, he was born and raised as an orphan who was determined to become completely independent. He later built an empire out of Newman Enterprises. He came to Genoa City with his wife Julia to help Katherine Chancellor to run her business. While her husband was at work, Julia looked for a job, ending up as a model for photographer Michael Scott, who became attracted to her. Upon discovering that Julia was pregnant, Victor was convinced that the baby was Michael, thus he locked him up in the bomb shelter at the ranch. This was the turning point in Victor's life, making him a villain.