What happens when a well-known television star trades scripts and cameras for a badge and a life of real-world service? For this actor, what began on screen took an unexpected turn in real life.
Success in entertainment often leads to more of the same. But for this TV icon, a breakthrough role became the start of something unexpected. After rising to prominence on a hit TV series, he made a life-changing decision.
The TV icon in 1988. | Source: Getty Images
He chose to step away from the spotlight, trading Hollywood’s familiar path for a calling rooted in his earliest ambitions. What began as an on-screen role transformed into a real-life mission — one focused not on celebrity, but on service, family, and something far more personal.
The actor in 1970 in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Humble Beginnings in New York City
This TV icon was born in New York City on March 16, 1949. Raised by his mother, Carmen Estrada, after she separated from his father, Renildo, due to addiction struggles, the young boy — alongside his siblings, Joey and Carmen — spent his early years in Spanish Harlem’s housing projects.
Later, his mother moved the family to the Amsterdam Projects on New York’s West Side.
The actor and his mother, Carmen Estrada, on October 7, 1979, at a hotel in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite these early challenges, his admiration for law enforcement began at home. His mom dated a CSI detective, Pete Panos, who became a strong influence. “The first man I ever loved was a cop,” he later recalled. Watching Panos’ dedication made him want to follow the same path.
However, as often happens, life had other plans.
The actor on the streets of Toronto on July 20, 1988. | Source: Getty Images
A Dream Redirected: Early Aspirations & Unexpected Beginnings
The plan seemed clear: he would become a New York City police officer, just like his role model. But during high school, fate intervened when he joined the drama club — initially to get close to a girl he admired. That seemingly small decision soon shifted the course of his life. “I got bit by the acting bug,” he would later admit.
The actor poses for a magazine shoot in 1977. | Source: Getty Images
Still, he made a promise to his mother: if he didn’t achieve success by the age of 30, he’d return home, enroll in the police academy, and pursue the career he had dreamed of since childhood. “Because 32 years old was the cut off date,” he explained, referring to the age limit for joining the police force.
The actor in 1977. | Source: Getty Images
His early years in show business weren’t easy. Often typecast, he played the stereotypical roles assigned to Latino actors of the time — gang members, criminals, junkies. But despite these limiting roles, his determination never wavered.
By his late twenties, an opportunity finally knocked — and with it, the role that would define his career.
The actor in New York in 1977. | Source: Getty Images
Breaking Barriers on ‘CHiPs’
At 27, he landed the part of Officer Francis “Ponch” Poncherello on NBC’s hit TV series “CHiPs.” From 1977 to 1983, he starred in 139 episodes, quickly becoming the breakout star. His charm, charisma, and motorcycle uniform made him a household name.
The actor as Francis “Ponch” Poncherello in the 1977 series “CHiPs.” | Source: Getty Images
But there was more to the role than met the eye. Originally, his character was written as Italian-American Frank Poncherelli. After securing the role, he made a bold suggestion.
“Poncherello was Poncherelli,” he recalled. “When I got the contract, I walked into the producer’s office and said we need to change a couple of things… Why don’t we [make this character] a Hispanic-American cop?”
The actor engages in a scene with a co-star in the 1977 series “CHiPs.” | Source: Getty Images
The producers agreed, adjusting the character’s background and renaming him Poncherello. It marked one of the first times a Hispanic-American officer was positively portrayed in a lead role on prime-time television — opening doors for future Latino actors.
The TV icon with his co-star in the 1977 series “CHiPs.” | Source: Getty Images
The show’s tone was also distinct for a reason. He explained, “We took over the old 8 p.m. family hour. ‘Fabulous World of Disney’ was on just before us and it was a family hour show. That’s why we never drew our guns.”
He explained that the show wasn’t focused on action or violence. Instead, it highlighted officers helping pedestrians, assisting people in need, guiding troubled youth, and building positive relationships with the public.
The actor on the set of the 1977 series “CHiPs.” | Source: Getty Images
Off-screen, he relished meeting celebrity guest stars and often kept Polaroids as mementos. “I flip out when I see someone and go, ‘Oh my God, I gotta get a photo,'” he said.
But in return for fame, filming the show came with significant risks. During one scene, a motorcycle accident left him with multiple fractured ribs, punctured lungs, a cracked jaw, and a broken wrist. “They gave me five days in intensive care and said I had a 50/50 chance of living,” he recalled. But true to form, he recovered and returned to the set.
The actor, wearing a neck brace, attends a ball on March 27, 1981, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
His success gave him the chance to keep a promise he made years earlier — moving his mother out of the housing projects and into a comfortable apartment overlooking Central Park. “My goal was I got to make that bread and get my mother living like a queen,” he shared.
But, once the final “CHiPs” episode’s credits rolled, his journey took another unexpected turn.
The Hollywood star on the set of “CHiPs” on September 2, 1982. | Source: Getty Images
His Life After the TV Show
While many actors might have stayed within Hollywood’s orbit, Erik Estrada made a different choice. In 2008, he began serving as a reserve police officer in Muncie, Indiana. He completed formal training and worked seven-week shifts, often taking late-night patrols.
Erik Estrada poses after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 19, 2007, on Hollywood Boulevard. | Source: Getty Images
Being recognized as a familiar face sometimes complicated his duties. “Every time I come out of the situation, I got people wanting pictures and autographs,” Erik said. “I can’t do that anymore.” Still, he stayed focused on the job.
After three years in Muncie, he transitioned into more specialized work. He joined the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, where former Sheriff Mike Brown introduced him to the department’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force.
It was here that he took on a new, challenging role: working undercover online to catch child predators by posing as minors. “While they’re talking to you, they think they’re talking to Kimmy, 13½ [years old],” he said.
Erik explained that when someone kept chatting after he revealed he was underage, it was only a matter of time before they crossed the line and broke the law. That gave officers the legal reason to arrest them. Once the person arranged to meet, thinking it was real, police would step in and make the arrest.
His dedication to the task was personal, particularly after becoming a father himself. “I got exposed to child internet pornography,” he reflected. “I got so upset when I saw what I saw because my daughter was 7 at the time. It really upset me. And then I got angry. Made me mad.”
In 2016, he was sworn in as a reserve police officer in St. Anthony, Idaho. After the ceremony at City Hall, he spent time at the city park with officers’ families and later attended a meet-and-greet at the local high school, connecting with residents of all ages.
Erik’s focus in Idaho centered on educating children about online safety, advising, “Education is the best protection especially on the internet.” He regularly warned children against sharing personal information or trusting individuals they met online.
By 2024, he confirmed he was still active in undercover work. Now associated with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, he continues to work with ICAC, using online technology to track and apprehend offenders. His mission, both on and off-screen, remained clear.
Even while fulfilling this demanding role, he kept one foot in the entertainment world, hosting reality shows and starring in faith-based series like “Divine Renovation.”
Away from both his career in law enforcement and the spotlight, his personal life has remained just as steady and meaningful.
A Devoted Family Man at Heart
At 75, Erik’s life revolves around family. Since September 1997, he has been married to Nanette Mirkovich, with whom he shares a daughter, Francesca Estrada. He is also the father of two sons from previous marriages — Anthony Eric Estrada and Brandon Michael-Paul Estrada.
Erik balances his professional responsibilities with quiet family moments. In December 2024, he gave fans a glimpse of his personal life by posting a photo on Instagram.
Dressed casually, seated with his pets on his lap, he captioned, “Another beautiful Friday afternoon thank God it’s Friday with me and two of my five dogs Booboo and Bambi aren’t they beautiful these are my beautiful little pocket Chihuahua girls go figure.”
The post drew heartfelt reactions from long-time admirers. “Looking good every day..still love you after years, I grow up watching you 💯 🇵🇷,” one follower commented. Another added, “You don’t age! I must have been 8/9 yrs old watching Chips [sic].”
At home, he seems to appreciate the simple comforts of daily life, like cooking for his family. In 2020, the actor shared a photo of himself in a red apron, peeling vegetables for Thanksgiving dinner. He seemed to be having fun as he and his family prepared the meal, and he shared a video where he accidentally dropped one of the veggies in the dustbin.
In the video, his daughter can be heard laughing at the hilarious fumble, and he retrieves the peeled produce from the trash can. Erik also proudly shared a photo of himself training his German Shepherd in his backyard and captioned it with a simple, “My dog.” The police recruit wore a thick cover as his dog latched onto his arm.
For his daughter’s 20th birthday, the actor took the family to the Grand Wailea Hotel on Maui, where they celebrated with a big birthday bash. Erik Estrada shared a photo of himself with his daughter and wife smiling side-by-side in front of a lovely holiday view.
Even as his life has shifted — from TV sets to law enforcement and family life — his commitment to serving others has remained a constant throughout his journey.
