Erik Estrada Biography

Fast Facts

• Nominated for an ALMA Award in 1999 for his role on "C․H․i․P․S '99․"
• Participates in multiple charity organizations focused on protecting children, including SafeSurfin․org and 911 Kids
• Supports United Way, the American Heart Association and the CHP's 11-99 Foundation, which provides benefits and scholarships to California Highway Patrol family members and funeral expenses for fallen officers
• In 2000, was named the international face of D․A․R․E․, a campaign for drug awareness and prevention
• Started to pursue an acting career after performing in his first high school production, which he originally auditioned for to get closer to a girl
• Worked in a laundromat to pay his tuition at the American Musical Dramatic Academy in California
• Quote: "I met John Wayne and that was a thrill․ I was working next door to him․ He was doing a commercial for Wells Fargo Bank or something․ And I go to meet him․ If he liked you he called you pilgrim․ And that is what he called me: Pilgrim․"
• Quote: "[on fame brought on by "CHiPS"] "Having children tops all that․ Having a daughter who is mad about you tops all that․""
• Spokesperson for California Highway Patrol's "Carseat Inspection and Installation" program