What has set Erik Estrada in the spotlight is his profession as an actor and a reserve police officer. Through his several years in his profession, Erik Estrada has managed to have a net worth of $4 million.
Many people came to know Erik Estrada after his famous role as Frank Poncherello, a California Highway Patrol Officer on the NBC police drama “CHiPs.” Erik has also been involved in other movies such as “Hour of the Assassin” and other television series and reality TV programs.
Overview of Erik Estrada’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Henry Enrique Estrada is the birth name of Erik Estrada. He was born in 1949 in East Harlem, Manhattan, New York. Erik is the son of Carmen Moreno and Renildo Estrada. His parents are of Puerto Rican descent.
Erik Estrada made his screen debut as a cast in the film adaptation of “The Cross and the Switchblade” in 1970. In 1972 he was part of “The Ballad of Billie Blue,” a Christian-themed film.
He also played as an LAPD officer in “The New Centurions.” Erik then made his television debut in 1973 appearing on “Hawaii Five-O” in it fifth season.
Erik Estrada’s “CHiPs” and Telenovela Success
For the best part of the 70s, Erik Estrada was focused on working on television and was involved in episodes of shows such as “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “Medical Center,” “Emergency!,” “Barnaby Jones,” etc.
However, his main career breakthrough came in 1977 when he landed the leading role on the crime drama series “CHiPs” where he played Frank “Ponch” Poncherello. The show focused on the lives of two California Highway patrol motorcycle officers.
Unfortunately, when he was filming a scene in 1979, he launched from his 600-pound motorcycle and ended up breaking both of his wrists and fracturing multiple ribs. Nonetheless, he was named on the list of “10 Sexiest Bachelors in the World” by People Magazine.
In 1987, Erik Estrada also landed a role in the popular “Rosa Salvaje” telenovela. His main telenovela role was in 1993 when he co-starred alongside Bibi Gaytan and Laura Leon in the “Dos Mujeras, un camino” telenovela.
He ended up appearing in all of the 200 episodes of the telenovela that was initially scheduled to air 100 episodes only. It ended up breaking the record to become the biggest telenovela in the history of Latin American television.
Erik Estrada’s Film Career
Estrada got another role in 2001 to appear on the CBS daytime soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful.” He also landed the role of being a voice actor for “Sealab 2021,” an adult animated series. He has also appeared on other reality television series, such as “Armed & Famous,” “The Surreal Life,” etc.
Erik Estrada’s Net Worth
It is undeniable that Erik Estrada has earned much career success over the period that he has been active in the industry. As a reserve police officer and an actor, he has managed to have a net worth of $4 million and it all comes down to the salary that he has earned on different projects.
