ERIC BRAEDEN - 2017 Northfield Conference

The 2017 Northfield Conference, “Legacy of 1848 & Holocaust Education”, concluded with “Thoughts on Being German,” a poignant and heartfelt address delivered by Hans Jörg Gudegast, aka Eric Braeden. Born in Bredenbek, Schleswig-Holstein, Gudegast experienced firsthand the horrors of World War II prior to his immigration to the United States in 1959. Eric lives in Pacific Palisades, CA, known as “Weimar am Pazifik“ since 1933; across from his house is the elegant villa where Thomas Mann, a German literature Nobel laureate from Schleswig-Holstein, spent his years in exile during the Second World War. Braeden has appeared in over 120 TV productions and films, including “Titanic“ (1997). Beginning in 1980, he has made daily appearances on US TV, as well as in 28 other countries world-wide with “The Young and the Restless,“ and in 1989 he founded the “German-American Cultural Society.“ In 2007, Eric became only the second German actor (after Marlene Dietrich) to receive a Star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His recent memoir is titled I'll Be Damned: How My Young and Restless Life Led Me to America's #1 Daytime Drama. www.Moin-Moin.us - Dr. Joachim (yogi) Reppmann
Scott C. Christiansen, Iowa City:
"Braeden’s experiences and deep understanding provided a fitting denouement for a conference whose first day emphasized the Holocaust. Throughout his adult life, the humanitarian and activist has worked hard in promoting a positive, realistic, and balanced image of German-Americans and advancing German-Jewish dialogue. Braeden’s life experiences also dovetailed beautifully with the focus of the conference’s second day, the important and influential immigrant group known as the Forty-eighters.
Having spent the better part of the last two decades trying to understand the Forty-eighters, it’s my belief Braeden could well have been a member of this significant immigrant group had he been born 120 years earlier. Like so many of the Forty-eighters, Braeden has never been content to sit on the sidelines. He takes a very active interest in politics and helps rally support for those he feels will best serve the needs of his adopted country.
As a German-American who embraces the best of both cultures, Braeden has devoted much of his time to strengthening the ties between the German and American peoples, and his exemplary efforts in this regard have been honored on many occasions. As Braeden concluded his talk, I remembered a previous remark of his I’d run across while writing a brief biographical sketch of him some years ago: “I grew up tough. I’ll fight you to the last - I’ll never give up.” What an apropos sentiment for a conference devoted to the study of the Forty-eighters and Holocaust survivors. It is precisely this trait - that of never giving up, of triumphing over long odds through the sheer force of one’s will - that conference attendees and participants celebrated at “The Legacy of 1848 Through Today.”
www.Moin-Moin.us - Dr. Joachim (yogi) Reppmann

[@943kate]

Eric is a smart man and knows history.He has more brains and character than all the politicians in Washington DC. Love you Eric (Victor)

[@amelieremp8749]

I am watching EB 30 years ago since the early Y&R ❤

[@KarlaElaine100]

Moving, insightful and wise.

[@openmind1966]

Great actor, and so intelligent in history Eric Braeden!

[@kerstindahlqvist9641]

Speech moves me to tears.

[@pjs62ux]

I have nothing but the utmost respect for this man, not only does he have the courage to show that he is not ashamed of being German; but also the intellect and knowledge of history to argue his point. I saw another video of an interview with Mr. Braeden were answered a question on becoming a citizen of the United States. His answer, was better than a natural born citizen could ever give.

[@marieluisegiesel7641]

Wunderbar! My sentiments exactly! A proud German Canadian , who came to Canada at 11 years of age! MarieLuise from Canada!

[@Lyndy914]

Omg this is so touching I'm in tears right along with him....

[@PeterMayer]

Being a German American, the only member of my immediate family that was born here in Chicago, three brothers and parents born in Germany, I am proud of him.

[@audreynorton6940]

The Way How He Speak . You Can See He Has A Lot Of Knowledge. No One Can Fool Him So Easy. 😀😁🤗🤗

[@bilalahmed2123]

The Young and the Restless is nothing without Eric Braeden.

[@Elkycreates]

He reminds me of my father. Intelligent and compassionate.

[@yafanna3]

Wonderful..thank you. I have German ancestors, about four generations back but, I don't know their names or any family history. Thank you, Eric. Your words give me a new found pride in those roots. And I am a fan from the start of Y&R. Thanks again.

[@rockyracoon3233]

German immigrants and their descendants have done much good for the USA!

[@MsGinnnaaa]

I am truly grateful to be your assistant!!!:)💛💛💛

[@123451248ify]

It is almost nice that he is not talking about The Young and the Restless, Victor Newman, or Hollywood in general. I have noticed that sometimes people look down on celebrities and actors as if they have nothing else to offer. This man knows where he came from, as well as the history of WWII. You never should judge a book by its cover.

[@rudigersaul9943]

Mr.Braeden/Hans-Jörg ist ein tief beeindruckender Mensch. I am deeply im- pressed! Hoffe ihn mal im Kreise seiner Leichtath- letik-Jugendmannschaft von 1958 (Mannschaftskapitän damals Klaus Willimczik) zu treffen! Möge er noch lange mit seiner humanistischen Botschaft die Zeitgenossen berühren! RÜDIGER SAUL/EX-SPEERWERFER USC MAINZ

[@retsevlis]

Eric. Everything you do is great for YR and beyond.

[@brendapowell1217]

I love Eric on the yr I hope stay on he is good he the best brenda

[@carmenvallone1247]

Brenda Powell I agree with you Brenda Eric is a great actor! When he is on the young and restless the program is elevated he is to the young and restless what Pacino was to the Godfather! He is that good! I would hate it if Eric left the young and the restless I doubt I would watch it anymore and I have watched it for more years then I care to admit!

[@carmenvallone1247]

Mysterio Mclaren What a touching and heartfelt speech. Eric has been through hell and came out on top. He is an incredible person.

[@ellasnow2330]

Eric, how profound you are. Run for President & I'll vote for you! I pray there is no more war ... sadly, it is written in the Bible there will be many wars. Be kind to each other ... Be kind & gentle to yourself. (I 💗 you on Y&R ... sometimes just love to hate you! 😉) Your friend & admirer always, Ella Snow

[@watchgoose]

@@carmenvallone1247 YR has nothing to do with this. His mother country was Germany and he is a terriffic historian. Learn from him.

[@claudiawhite9772]

Indeed smart and educated man and great actor !! Decent and compassionate!! I so agree with him and his stand and so true how we generalize people putting a label on them by country And incidents of idiots running it as I am one of those aliens lived & living in such countries outcasted because of where I was born by peoples of every country I visited or lived!! How ignorant and racist each of us are just like those people who were ready to cast the stone and our Lord said “ who among you without sin can cast the first stone” !! Indeed shame on us who call others racist , judge and jurors without looking at ourselves first?!! Racism comes in many shapes and forms of mind sets & ideas!!! Wise up people!!!

[@audreynorton6940]

He Is Definitely Fabulous. Well Bless And Favor. ❤️💓

[@suemorgan1720]

great description. I remember my parents living the same life you did. I also broke into tears when I was in a Canadian school and I was called a Nazi and not knowing what that was I asked my mother who told me all about Hitler at the age of 6. I agree with you thoughts totally. I am so proud of my German heritage, because of my parents and I thank God I am here today because they survived hell, just as you did. Danke Eric for speaking for all of us.

[@rockyracoon3233]

Well said!!

[@Agwings1960]

His description of the fire bombings during WW2 are very sobering, I would say that the stories from Holocaust survivors are also very sobering. War is hell, nothing romantic about it.

[@lindalawon9151]

To @flyboy8249. I Agree 100% with you. In war, everybody loses and nobody wins. When a soldier is killed that is somebody's father, son, grandson, brother, cousin, nephew, uncle, nephew, husband, brother-in-law, neighbor, friend, co-worker, etc. etc. etc. Again, everybody loses and nobody wins on both or all sides. PEACE!

[@josephthomasjr.6551]

Yes! Eric is amazing. I've been a fan of his even since Colossus: The Forbin Project. Many moons ago!

[@JCaroleClarke]

As an American Army Brat I never missed an episode of the Rat Patrol or Combat or Victory at Sea. The real Rat Patrol was all British run as the Long Range Desert group run by a Colonel Stirling who wrote about it later. No Americans were in that group so it was never shown in the United Kingdom. Gudegast/Braeden was right about the German influence in America. After our Civil War they poured in out of Germany and settled the Great Plains from the Dakotas to Texas. Even today they still speak "Texas German" down there. We were stationed in Augsburg, Bavaria from 1953-56 and I loved Germany. Can still speak some of it. This man has done great things for our understanding of what makes Western Civilisation go just by standing up and speaking his mind. I will always love him as Captain Dietrich, who showed courage, honor and forbearance while being a good soldier. That counts.

[@valerielambert2072]

Thank you, Eric Braeden for sharing your Story about being German. I'm very sorry for how you & your family suffered, what you went through. It broke my heart but, I truly appreciate your honesty more than I can say. I love you on the Young & the Restless your role as, Victor Newman is Phenomenal. I met your Co-star Melody Thomas Scott she's so, kind, sweet. I enjoy writing to you on Twitter. I'm happy that you like, Master Violinist Itzhak Perlman. He's wonderful & I enjoy playing Violin & composing my own Spiritual Songs. Blessings to you,😊🙏🏼❤️🌎🌼 Valerie

[@lindalawon9151]

Imagine having always been homesick to what you once knew as a peaceful home and family and friends and can not ever experience that again. Having to make a complete new life missing all family and friends and they in turn miss you always? Imagine.

[@nrs6956]

Extremely insightful! Thank you.

[@laurietijerina3816]

I'm sorry for what you gone through Eric,if only your parents came America too. Not everyone was for the war. God bless you

[@laurietijerina3816]

I'm back! Great speech from an amazing intelligent Actor! Worth hearing over and over again.

[@georgemartin1436]

He was my favorite character in Rat Patrol because it was the first time as a kid I saw a German officer portrayed as a decent guy....

[@tonyfederici1961]

Wow, very moving speech from the heart. Thank you.

[@laurietijerina3816]

Eric is so smart and down to earth

[@ritaacchitelli1025]

Great speech love you Eric and respect you yoU are my favorite Victor Neumann. an fan of young restless from the beginning

[@CM-wj2ow]

What a beautiful man... STILL!

[@dorisstahl3854]

Wonderful speech

[@dianneshaw4661]

i'll be dammed dont tell me not to call you victor......been calling you victor for the last 40 years.....love ALLLLLL that you do

[@watchgoose]

that's not his name. differentiate reality from fantasy. his real name is Hans.

[@nemo7782]

@@watchgoose I would add that Eric Braeden is nothing but a contrived stage name to be 'acceptable' to the pinheads in Hollywood. This man will always be Hans Gudegast to me.

[@kathrynbellerose6216]

I do not downplay Germain contributions as well as German American contributions. What happened to the Jews and others will never be forgotten it’s impossible. I do love Eric Braeden.

[@laurietijerina3816]

I remember watching the Rat Patrol

[@captsaison9343]

Herr Braeden is what I wish more Germans were like. Not a Nazi comment but Europe will progress economically ONLY if the reunited Germany leads the way. They can do the research and develop new technologies that can be shared with ALL Europeans. As he says "We Germans need to be tolerant of other countries and peoples." And share technology with Israel.

[@winstonseecharan5772]

Germany has what it takes to come a superpower over night although it has no oil

[@captsaison9343]

@@winstonseecharan5772 Yes. Lack of oil has been an historic problem for them. Making synthetic oil helps some but.....

[@junkboxxxxxx]

Ja wohl!!!

[@kerstindahlqvist9641]

At least Germans are dealing with the pasta

[@nemo7782]

Americans need to deal more with their past, IMO. Even the darkest, ugliest periods of any country's history can be learned from so as not to repeat it.

[@laurietijerina3816]

Eric is so funny 🤣

[@ShawntitaSmith-fu6ob]

Sahawntitasmith you love you to see 💕

[@marieknox8046]

❤ ERIC. BRADEN. IS. A. GREAT. ACTOR. THE. BEST. HELLO. VICTOR. 😍😍😍

[@jamesstevenson7725]

Thank you for sharing your experience, Mr. Braeden

[@kerstindahlqvist9641]

At least Germans are dealing with the pasta