Erik Estrada

Erik Estrada, born Henry Enrique Estrada on March 16, 1949, is an American actor and former police officer. He is best known for his co-starring lead role as California Highway Patrol officer Francis 'Ponch' Poncherello in the popular police drama television series CHiPs, which aired from 1977 to 1983. Born in East Harlem, Manhattan, New York, to Puerto Rican parents Carmen Moreno and Renildo Estrada, Erik initially considered a career in law enforcement but eventually pursued acting. He made his film debut in the 1970 movie The Cross and the Switchblade and later gained recognition for his work in Spanish-language telenovelas, appearances in reality TV shows, infomercials, and as a voice actor on Adult Swim's Sealab 2021.