Erik Estrada facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Erik Estrada
Estrada at the Paradise City Comic Con in 2018
Born	Henry Enrique Estrada (1949-03-16) March 16, 1949 (age 76) New York City, U.S.
Occupation	Actor police officer
Years active	1970–present
Spouse(s)	Joyce Miller ​ ​ (m. 1979; div. 1980)​ Peggy Rowe ​ ​ (m. 1985; div. 1990)​ Nanette Mirkovich ​ (m. 1997)​
Children	3

Henry Enrique Estrada (born March 16, 1949) is an American actor and a police officer. He is famous for playing Officer Francis "Ponch" Poncherello in the TV show CHiPs. This police drama was on TV from 1977 to 1983.

Erik Estrada also became known for acting in Spanish-language TV shows. He appeared in many reality TV shows and commercials. He also lent his voice to the animated series Sealab 2021.

Erik Estrada's Early Life

Erik Estrada was born on March 16, 1949. His birthplace was East Harlem, Manhattan, New York. His mother, Carmen Moreno, was a seamstress. His father was Renildo Estrada. Both of his parents came from Puerto Rico.

Erik Estrada's Acting Career

Erik Estrada started his acting career in the 1970s. He appeared in many movies and TV shows.

Early Roles in Movies and TV

In 1970, Erik Estrada made his first movie appearance. He played the role of Nicky Cruz in The Cross and the Switchblade. In 1972, he acted alongside George C. Scott in The New Centurions. He played an LAPD Officer named Sergio Duran.

Estrada also appeared in the TV series Hawaii Five-O in 1973. In 1974, he was in the disaster film Airport 1975. He played Julio, a flight engineer on a Boeing 747. Two years later, he was in the movie Midway. He played a fictional airman named Ens. "Chili Bean" Ramos.

Becoming Famous as Ponch in CHiPs

Estrada and Larry Wilcox on CHiPs in 1977.

In 1977, Erik Estrada began his most famous role. He played Frank "Ponch" Poncherello in the TV series CHiPs. This show was about two California Highway Patrol officers.

In 1979, Estrada was seriously hurt while filming CHiPs. He fell from his motorcycle and broke several ribs and both wrists. The show CHiPs ended in 1983. After CHiPs, Estrada acted in several smaller films. He returned to TV in 1987 in the police drama Hunter.

What Did Erik Estrada Do in the 1990s?

In the 1990s, Erik Estrada starred in a popular Mexican TV show. It was called Dos mujeres, un camino ("Two women, one path"). He played a truck driver named Johnny. This show was very successful in Latin America.

From 1994 to 2004, Estrada co-hosted American Adventurer. This was a TV show about outdoor adventures. He also appeared in music videos for bands like Bad Religion and the Butthole Surfers. In 1997, he wrote a book about his life. It was called Erik Estrada: My Road from Harlem to Hollywood. In 1998, he played Ponch again in the TV movie CHiPs '99.

Erik Estrada's Work from 2000 to Today

In 2001, Erik Estrada had a role in the TV show The Bold and the Beautiful. He played Eduardo Dominguez. In 2002, he was a game-show host on the Disney Channel show Lizzie McGuire. He also did voice work for the cartoon Sealab 2021. He often made fun of his own image in this show.

Estrada has appeared in many other TV shows. These include Drake & Josh, Scrubs, and My Name Is Earl. He was also in Eminem's music video "Just Lose It".

Erik Estrada has been a spokesperson for real estate companies. He also appeared in Burger King TV commercials in 2009. In these ads, he played himself trying to endorse products.

Erik Estrada in Reality TV Shows

Erik Estrada has been on several reality TV shows. In 2004, he was on The Surreal Life. He also starred in Armed & Famous, a show about celebrities training as police officers.

In 2011, Estrada was a contestant on Mira Quien Baila. This was a Spanish dance competition show. He finished in third place. In 2013, he acted in the movie Finding Faith. He played a sheriff in this film.

Erik Estrada's Activism and Police Work

Erik Estrada is involved in many good causes. In 2000, he became the international "Face" of D.A.R.E.. He also supports the American Heart Association and the United Way.

He helps the C.H.P. 11-99 Foundation. This group provides help and scholarships to families of California Highway Patrol officers. It also covers funeral costs for officers who die on duty.

Because of his role in CHiPs, Estrada became a reserve police officer. He has worked for police departments in Muncie, Indiana, and St. Anthony, Idaho. He has been filmed patrolling on a police motorcycle. He also helps promote car seat safety for children.

Erik Estrada's Personal Life

Erik Estrada has been married three times. He married Joyce Miller in 1979, but they divorced in 1980. He then married Peggy Lynn Rowe in 1985. They had two sons, Anthony Erik and Brandon Michael-Paul. They divorced in 1990. In 1997, he married Nanette Mirkovich. They have one daughter, Francesca Natalia. He lives in Studio City, California.

Estrada is a member of the Blue Knights motorcycle club. He also rides with the Loyal Order of Moose. In 2008, he supported Republican John McCain for president.

Erik Estrada's Filmography

Movies

Television Shows

Video Games

See also

In Spanish: Erik Estrada para niños