After graduating high school in Germany, a young man set off for America, driven by dreams of opportunity—and adventure, even picturing “cowboys and Indians.” He landed in New York at dawn, glimpsing the Statue of Liberty before making his way to Los Angeles. His initial goal was to find a distributor for a student documentary titled The Riverbusters, which led to TV interviews and a short promotional tour. When his collaborator returned to Montana, he decided to stay in L.A. with just $500 and a determination to pursue his dreams.
In 1966, he enrolled at Santa Monica College, studying political science, philosophy, and economics. There, he met his future wife—a fellow European with a passion for literature and intellectual conversation. They married that same year, and with her unwavering support, he continued to take on small roles in theater, film, and television.
By 1980, everything changed. He landed the role of Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless. What began as a temporary part turned into a four-decade legacy, earning him a Daytime Emmy in 1998.
His wife, Dale Russell Gudegast, chose a private life—pursuing a brief acting career before becoming an interior designer. Yet her presence has been deeply felt in his personal and professional decisions. As he has said, “I make many decisions after talking with her… she’s been a comforting and encouraging presence”.
Together, they raised a son, Christian, who went on to become a successful writer and director. The couple also embraced the joys of family life as grandparents. Reflecting on their marriage, he shared, “Falling in love is the first part, but you also have to really like the person… enjoy having conversations… share life’s extraordinary moments together”.
Their bond was put to the test in April 2023, following his recovery from knee surgery. He began experiencing prostate issues, which led to a diagnosis of high-grade bladder cancer. In a candid live video, he shared the journey: surgery, six weeks of immunotherapy, and continued work on Y&R, while urging others—especially older men—to take symptoms seriously.
By August 2023, doctors confirmed he was cancer-free. He remains active and grateful, encouraging fans to prioritize routine screenings. “My cancer diagnosis right now is on hold… very grateful for modern cancer treatment,” he said.
Throughout every chapter—emigration, early struggle, soap opera stardom, and health challenges—his wife has been at his side. They stand today as husband and wife, parents and grandparents, united by love, resilience, and shared gratitude.
