‘CHIPs’ Erik Estrada Is a Caring Dad of 2 Husband Who Became a Police Officer after the Show

• Erik Estrada, more widely known as officer Francis Llewelyn “Ponch” Poncherello from “CHiPs,” has become a police officer in real life!

• Erik is a doting father and husband.

• He lives an ordinary life with his family, enjoying everyday blessings.

Erik Estrada made a name for himself in the TV series “CHiPs,” with the role of Francis Llewelyn “Ponch” Poncherello. The show centered on the California Highway Patrol as they took down criminals. Estrada portrayed the role of “Ponch” during the show’s entire run, from 1977 to 1983.

Although “CHiPs” is where Estrada found widespread fame, the actor previously had his big break with “The Cross and the Switchblade.” His performance in the gang drama caught many eyes, and he started earning more prominent roles. Eventually, he found his way to “CHiPs,” where he solidified his fame.

Erik Estrada close-up, 1970 in New York | Sourcee: Getty Images

The actor also loves spending time with his family. Over the years, Estrada married three times and had three children. He had two sons with his second wife, Anthony Erik Estrada and Brandon Michael-Paul Estrada. He had his daughter, Francesca Estrada, with his third and current wife, Nanette Mirkovich.

Estrada’s passion for law enforcement drove him to get sworn in as a police officer in 2016.

Estrada is a devoted father and family man and enjoys spending time with his spouse and children. Although the father-of-three’s kids are mostly adults, he still invites them over for dinner with him and his wife. In a post Estrada made, he mentioned, “that’s what it’s all about guy’s family.”

What Did Erik Estrada Do after “CHiPs”?

Estrada acted in “CHiPs” until the show was canceled, although Caitlyn Jenner replaced him for a few episodes while he sorted out a contract dispute. When the iconic police drama ended, Estrada starred in various other films and TV shows, including a Spanish telenovela and “Sealab.”

These days, Estrada is primarily a family man, although he does still work as a police officer, and he still enjoys taking the occasional acting job.

Erik Estrada with California Highway Patrol Police officers on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood 19 April 2007 | Source: Getty Images

Estrada’s passion for law enforcement drove him to get sworn in as a police officer in 2016. He joined a team charged with investigating internet crimes, specifically those involving minors. Estrada enjoys making a difference, saying his team puts away a lot of individuals who don’t expect to be caught:

“When we go pick them up they’re very surprised. They look around to see if there’s a camera once they see me. Once I turn around and I cuff them and take them, then they know it’s for real.”

In 2007, Estrada’s interest in law enforcement was once more piqued when he was offered a role on the reality TV show, “Armed & Famous.” He worked alongside police officers, and after the show finished, he became a reserve officer in Muncie, Indiana. One thing led to another, and he’s still a cop today.

What Is Erik Estrada’s Life like Now?

These days, Estrada is primarily a family man, although he does still work as a police officer, and he still enjoys taking the occasional acting job. He updates his fans regularly via Twitter posts, and it’s clear to see he’s enjoying his time as a dad. He posted a photo of himself while shopping with his daughter and said:

“To all my friends and flowers that wish me a happy happy birthday I want to say thank you I’m at the mall at Zara with my daughter shopping so I figure while I wait I’ll take the time to thank you all so much I want you to know that it appreciate it.”

Estrada also enjoys 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 with his family as they 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. Estrada also proudly shared a photo of himself training his German Sheppard 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. Estrada shared a photo of himself with his daughter and wife smiling side-by-side in front of a lovely holiday view.

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