For over five decades, Dale Russell Gudegast has stood beside Eric Braeden, the iconic star of CBS's "The Young and the Restless," as his devoted wife and partner. While her husband's career has kept him in the spotlight, Dale has carved her own path as an interior designer, mother, and the stable force behind one of Hollywood's most enduring marriages.
"My wife is beautiful. She's a forgiving, understanding woman and a wonderful mother to our son Christian."
— Eric Braeden, in a 2021 interview with PEOPLE
Born on November 17, 1941, in Bakersfield, California, Dale Suzanne Russell grew up in a family that valued creativity and education. Her sister, Sigrid Valdis, would later become an actress known for her role in "Hogan's Heroes," suggesting that the Russell family had connections to the entertainment industry from early on.
Dale attended a private high school in Los Angeles, California, where she developed her eye for design and aesthetics. Unlike many in Hollywood circles, Dale has always maintained a level of privacy about her early years, allowing her accomplishments as an adult to speak for themselves rather than relying on family connections or past achievements.
The love story between Dale Russell and Eric Braeden, born Hans-Jörg Gudegast, began in the mid-1960s when both were college students. Dale was pursuing art at Santa Monica College while Eric was studying economics and philosophy.
Dale and Eric met on the set of "Combat," where Eric was working. What began as a friendship soon blossomed into romance.
After dating for approximately two years, the couple married on October 8, 1966, in a small, intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family.
In his own words, Eric was drawn to Dale because "She went to a Catholic school, was well-educated, very steeped in European literature... so there was an affinity." Their shared intellectual interests and values created a strong foundation for what would become one of Hollywood's most enduring marriages.
While Eric's career soared in television, particularly after he joined "The Young and the Restless" in 1980 as Victor Newman, Dale built her own successful career away from the cameras. She established herself as a talented interior designer, bringing her artistic sensibility and eye for aesthetics to homes throughout Los Angeles.
According to multiple sources, Dale specialized in pillow design before expanding into full-scale interior design projects. Her work reflects her sophisticated taste and attention to detail, qualities that have made her respected in design circles despite her preference for maintaining a low profile professionally.
Unlike many celebrity spouses who leverage their partner's fame, Dale has deliberately kept her professional life separate from Eric's celebrity status, building a clientele and reputation based solely on her own talents and vision.
Dale and Eric welcomed their only child, Christian Gudegast, on February 9, 1970. Following somewhat in his father's creative footsteps but forging his own path, Christian has established himself as a successful screenwriter, producer, and director in Hollywood.
The family expanded when Christian married jewelry designer Natasha, with whom he has two daughters, Oksana and Angelika. Christian also has a daughter named Tatiana from a previous relationship, making Dale and Eric the proud grandparents of three granddaughters.
"There's nothing like being a grandpa to my three granddaughters: Tatiana, Oksana and Angelika. Anything they want, boom," Eric told PEOPLE in 2021, adding, "My family is the world to me, because in the end, who else do you have?"
In an industry known for short-lived relationships and public breakups, Dale and Eric's marriage stands out as a testament to commitment, mutual respect, and unwavering support. Married for over 50 years, their relationship has weathered the storms of Hollywood fame and the challenges of building careers while raising a family.
Eric has frequently credited Dale as being the anchor in their relationship. "My wife has been supportive of me since we first knew each other, long before I became well known," he shared in an interview with "Coming of Age" magazine. "I have an enormous sense of deep loyalty to her, and we've been very supportive of each other."
"I would say that the most important thing is that you not only love the person, but that you really like the person. That means that you like who they are, that you like being with them. You like having conversations with them. You obviously share the most extraordinary things in life with them."
— Eric Braeden on the secret to his long-lasting marriage
Dale's influence extends beyond their personal relationship and into Eric's professional decisions. "Because Dale is so private, people don't realize how much she influences what I do or don't do," Eric has written. "I make many decisions only after consulting her. She has been a supportive and calming influence in my life."
Today, Dale and Eric reside in an elegant home in Los Angeles, reportedly valued at $4.5 million and spanning 5,674 square feet. While Eric continues his role on "The Young and the Restless" with no plans of retiring soon, Dale balances her design work with family time, particularly enjoying her role as grandmother.
Though she maintains a private life away from social media and public appearances, Dale occasionally steps out to support her husband at industry events. Notable appearances include celebrating Eric's 25th anniversary on "The Young and the Restless" in 2005, his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2007, and a book signing event in 2017.
In a 2021 interview, Eric expressed his continued appreciation for their life together: "I love my life. I love my colleagues. I love my family and friends." When asked if he planned to retire, he emphatically responded, "Hell no! My life has been enriched by having been introduced to so many things."
Though Dale Russell Gudegast prefers to stay out of the spotlight, she has made exceptions for special occasions in her husband's career. In 2007, she stood proudly by Eric's side when he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a crowning achievement recognizing his contributions to television.
During the ceremony, observers noted the couple's obvious affection and Dale's quiet pride in her husband's accomplishment, demonstrating how their partnership has remained strong through decades of fame and success.
One of the rare public appearances Dale made in recent years was at Eric Braeden's book signing for "I'll Be Damned" at Barnes & Noble at The Grove in Los Angeles on February 13, 2017. The event was a family affair, with Dale and their granddaughter Tatiana Gudegast both attending to support Eric as he shared his memoir with fans.
This appearance offered a glimpse into their family dynamic, showing how Dale has remained a steadfast presence in Eric's life while maintaining her own privacy and identity.
Dale's sister, Sigrid Valdis, was an actress who starred in "Hogan's Heroes" as Colonel Klink's secretary, Hilda. Sigrid passed away on October 14, 2007, from lung cancer.
Besides her career as an interior designer, Dale is reportedly working on writing a book about her life experiences, focusing on her marriage and personal journey.
Dale and Eric own an impressive mansion in Los Angeles valued at approximately $4.5 million, featuring over 5,600 square feet of living space designed with Dale's expert touch.
In an era of oversharing and social media presence, Dale Russell Gudegast's choice to maintain privacy while supporting her husband's public career stands as a testament to an alternative path for those connected to fame.
Her ability to nurture her own career, raise a successful son, and maintain a decades-long marriage speaks to her strength of character and clear sense of self. While not as widely recognized as her husband, Dale's influence has been profound—not just on her family but as an example of balance between personal fulfillment and family support.
"She has been a supportive and calming influence in my life."
— Eric Braeden