Eric Braeden, who has played the role of Victor Newman on the soap opera “Young and the Restless” for five decades, has revealed his recent cancer diagnosis.
The 82-year-old German actor opened up about his health in a 13-minute-plus Facebook Live video on Friday.
“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 shared. “Your prostate grows as you grow older.”
The beloved actor said he was diagnosed with cancer after experiencing prostate issues while recuperating from a recent knee-replacement surgery. “I was taken aback, but I was determined to deal with it,” he confessed.
Currently undergoing a six-week course of immunotherapy to treat high-grade cancer cells discovered near his bladder, Braeden also underwent a UroLift surgery to relieve pressure from the bladder.
Though he had increased his exercise routine, Braeden — who also had a hip replacement years ago — said he scaled back a bit in recent months.
“I’ve learned now to listen to my body more, and not go all out,” said the actor, who says he’s been experiencing flu-like symptoms. “So if you’ve seen me a little under the weather, yeah, I have been, but I will lick this. This bastard ain’t going to get me, I’m going to get it. I’ll be in top form again soon.”
One of the most recognized faces of daytime television, Braeden has starred as the ruthless, family-oriented business tycoon of the fictitious Genoa City, Wisconsin since 1980.
Braeden shared that the doctor who treated Braeden at Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai said he learned to speak English after moving to the U.S. from Vietnam by watching his long-running CBS series.
The Daytime Emmy Award winner remains hopeful he will continue to work and will maintain his role on the Los Angeles-based production, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in March.
“I love acting. I entertain people. I love your support,” a teary-eyed Braeden said. “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.”