Eric Braeden, whose real name is Hans-Jörg Gudegast, has played powerful patriarch Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless for over 40 years. While Victor has romanced plenty of women in Genoa City and created an epic supercouple with Victor and Nikki Newman, Braeden’s heart has only ever belonged to one woman: his wife, Dale Russell Gudegast.

The German actor is vocal about his work and personal opinions on social media, but he’s always made a point to protect his wife’s privacy. From how they met to their family, learn more about Eric Braeden’s wife and their love story below.