Eric and Dalle were what you would call college sweethearts but as time has gone on, they have now been married for over 50 years marking the test of time. Eric was born April 3, 1941, in Bredenbek in the German Bundesland of Schleswig-Holstein. Born and raised in Germany, Eric’s Father died when he was only 12 years old.

Growing up in poverty, his father had been a major in the military and as well a minor Nazi politician but without his Father, the family had no means of income. Eric's only escape from his living circumstances was through sports and athletics. A prominent athlete excelling in track and field events, he played football and handball.

It was not till 1959 as a teenager that he immigrated to the United States. Hoping for a better future he wanted to study politics and economics. Settling first in New York City he then moved to Galveston then to Montana. Having done many jobs in both Texas and Montana he served as a translator, lumber mill worker, a cowhand and many others among his long list of numerous low-level jobs.

It was through his love of sports which earned him an education at Montana State University, Missoula on a Track and Field Scholarship without any idea that he would become a successful actor with a salary of over $25 million as one of the most prominent German-born actors in the United States.

Dalle graduated from both a private elementary and private high school in Los Angeles in California but did not attend College, unlike her husband. Eric had finished his schooling in Germany before immigrating to the states. Despite Eric’s desire to study politics and economics upon moving to America, did not pursue those directions.

Eric changed his direction many times throughout college. Despite receiving a partial scholarship to the University of Montana, he wanted instead to join UCLA’s team but knowing as it was too late for him to do so, so instead, he decided to join soccer where he and his team made it to the 1972 US National Soccer Championships. It was during these years that Eric met his wife Dale whom he met in October of 1965 then married a year later on October 8, 1966, and claims that he never plans to let her go. As one of the most successful German actors in America Eric and his wife Dalle live together happily in their mansion overlooking Los Angeles.Together they have one child named Christian Gudegast born February 9th of 1970.

Their son has his own set of achievements, born and raised in Los Angeles, he spent his childhood sneaking into movie theaters spurring his interest in the industry. Graduating from UCLA Film School in 1992 for his thesis, Shadow Box, won the award for Best Student Film the year he graduated. Beginning as a rap music video director, Christian sold his first script Black Ocean which caused him to switch gears in his direction. Co-written with former partner Paul Scheuring launched his screenwriting career.

Both Director and Producer of many of the Den of thieves movies in 2018, Christian is also known for writing the following, Soldier Fortune of 1997, Beyond City Limits 2001, A Man Apart 2003, Pink Panther Mafia 2015, and London Has Fallen 2016. The family is talented from all sides.