Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
biography
With his dark good looks, bright white teeth and a twinkle in his eyes, Erik Estrada, famous worldwide for his role as “Ponch” on the motorcycle cop drama “CHiPs” (NBC, 1977-1983), was the kind of 1970s pop icon they just do not make anymore. More important than the teeth and the hair and the preteen Ponch mania, was the simple fact that Estrada’s appeal transcended ethnic lines at a time when Hispanic lead actors were not commonplace. After fading into relative obscurity for a decade or so, he resurfaced as an anti-drug advocate and rode a wave of retro popularity into TV reunions, music
