Tall, lanky and perpetually goateed, Eric Balfour rose to fame in guest spots on HBO’s critically acclaimed series “Six Feet Under” (2001-05) and FOX’s “24” (2001- ). Also a talented vocalist for the band Fredalba, Balfour starred in the horror remake “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (2003) and landed a lead in the hit NBC crime drama “Conviction” (2006- ).

Born April 24, 1977 in Los Angeles, CA to a psychologist mother and holistic-healer father, Balfour grew up and attended high school in nearby Burbank. He began performing at a young age, making his professional acting debut as a teenager on Disney’s “Kids Incorporated” in 1991. After a year on the show, Balfour left to pursue other television work, appearing in episodes of “Step by Step” (CBS, 1991-98), “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” (CBS, 1993-2001), and “Boy Meets World” (ABC, 1993-2000). In 1997, Balfour landed a recurring role on the popular WB series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003), playing Xander’s best friend, Jesse McNally.

Balfour received his biggest break thus far by next landing a minor role on the pilot for HBO’s series “Six Feet Under” (HBO, 2001-05); as Lauren Ambrose’s meth-smoking boyfriend, Gabriel. Though Balfour was initially hired on for only one episode, show creator Alan Ball was impressed with the chemistry between Balfour and Ambrose and decided to keep the actor on in a recurring role. Balfour appeared on the critically lauded series for two years, on and off.

It was not long before Balfour scored another recurring role – this time on FOX’s popular action series “24” (2001- ); portraying Milo, CTU’s resident computer expert, on the series’ first season. After garnering attention for his work on two such high profile series, Balfour soon landed his first leading role on the big screen – opposite Jessica Biel in the horror remake of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (2003). With the film a minor success, Balfour began to get series regular offers pouring in. First up – the FBI series “Fearless” (2004), followed by NBC’s “Hawaii” (2004). Though both shows had great potential, neither got picked up due to low ratings. “Hawaii” lasted only seven episodes and “Fearless” quickly got lost in the midseason shuffle. Down but not out, Balfour soon found more recurring work, portraying Eddie, Theresa’s boyfriend, on FOX’s popular teen drama “The OC” (2003- ).

Balfour went on to appear in more feature films, including “In Her Shoes” (2005) with Cameron Diaz and the sexually explicit “Lie with Me” (2005) opposite Lauren Lee Smith. The latter film, which explored the psychological aspects of sex and intimacy, required Balfour to be nude for many of his scenes, no doubt delighting the fan contingent. After appearing in “Sex, Love & Secrets” (UPN, 2005), which was cancelled after only four episodes, Balfour landed a regular role on NBC’s hip law drama “Conviction” in 2006. Centered on the lives of young Manhattan prosecutors, Balfour portrayed Assistant District Attorney Brian Peluso. Also a talented musician and vocalist for the band Fredalba, Balfour released his first record, Uptown Music for Downtown Kids in 2006.