He was married last summer. He made his film debut in 1970s The Cross and the Switchblade. CHiPs Stars Strange Death From a Rare Infection. Wonder, who was asleep at the time of the impact, was knocked unconscious and it is believed that he was struck by a log that came through the windshield. On Wednesday (March 01) the actor's reps officially confirmed that Erik Estrada is not dead. In 1977, the series CHIPs debuted, and it quickly became one of the more popular TV shows of the day. You can follow Camille on Twitter @CamealAshley. Media. In the 1990s, Estrada played the role of Johnny, a Tijuana trucker, in the Televisa telenovela Dos mujeres, un camino ("Two women, one path"). 's "car seat inspection and installation" program. That's why we never drew our guns. 'NBC films a lot of the 'CHiPs' segments there, so he was pretty familiar with the terrain.' Although he saw his biological father only sporadically, Estrada as a boy discovered by accident that the older Estrada was hooked on drugs. Schwarzenegger has been involved in several accidents throughout his life and career. I do internet crimes against children. The character was more trouble-prone and on probation most of the time. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. As a result of the incident, Osbourne broke several ribs, his collarbone, and a vertebra in his neck. It also had one reunion TV movie in the late 1990s. He's still acting, so we can expect to see much more from this 70s era Hollywood hunk. Lopez, furious, then told himself then that if he ever got famous, he'd never befriend Estrada. He was also an associate producer for "Alien Seed" in 1989 and "Caged Fury" in 1990. . The show premiered on September 15, 1977, and showed a lighter approach to law enforcement. Erik arrived in California in 1971. He is of Puerto Rican descent. Since then, he's continued acting but has also taken on a new career, as an actual police officer. But back in 1980, he had a serious crash on set. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); Estrada and MGM eventually reached an agreement and Jenners character was phased off the show after just seven episodes. There was palpable and noticeable tension between the main actors of the show CHiPs. Henry Enrique Estrada [1] (born March 16, 1949) is an American actor and police officer. Neither the driver nor Schwarzeneggers son sufferedany injuries; however, Schwarzenegger required stitches for injuries sustained on his face. Sept 2017 | Getty Images. Tweets & replies. I'll tell you in this video. On the cop show, Estrada played the rambunctious and hotheaded Ponch. The show aired for six seasons and ended in 1983. Erik Estrada's career has spanned so far over four decades, yet although, he had worked as an actor for years before his first television series, it was for his dynamic portrayal of Officer Francis 'Frank' Poncherello affectionately known as "Ponch" in the hit, 'CHiPs', that he became a household name. Superman fans everywhere were shocked and saddened in the spring of 1995 when Christopher Reeve was thrown from a horseduring riding competitionthat left him paralyzed. Estrada toured with the film, aiming to educate parents and young people about the dangers of online grooming. In the 1970 film version of The Cross and the Switchblade, Estrada made his film debut in the role of Nicky Cruz alongside Pat Boone, who played the role of David Wilkerson. (image viahttps://www.pinterest.com/jemini2013). He's still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet, they said. According to People, Wilcox made it clear that Estrada was not his friend. He joined the school's drama club and after graduation, he continued to follow his dream and studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Estrada grew up wanting to be an New York City cop. In 1997, Estrada wrote his autobiography, Erik Estrada: My Road from Harlem to Hollywood. Even after about thirty years since the finale, Erik's role as "Ponch" remains applauded and his reputation will surely be a ladder for Francesca to climb upon in her pursuit of . [20], Estrada endorsed Republican John McCain in the 2008 United States Presidential election. Those familiar with the CHP (hence the shows title, CHiPs) are aware that its troopers mainly work alone. Likes. In fact, he was approximately 300 pounds. Estrada also made guest appearances on The Wayans Bros., Unhappily Ever After, the Nickelodeon comedy Drake & Josh, NBC's Scrubs and My Name is Earl, and ABC's According to Jim. After a series of specials, in 2010, Estrada and Laura McKenzie began co-hosting a weekly series, The World's Funniest Moments, which began as a myNetworkTV series hosted by Arsenio Hall. VALENCIA, Calif. -- Larry Wilcox, co-star of 'CHiPs' television series, flipped his three-wheeled motorcycle during a filming episode Wednesday afternoon and suffered a concussion and whiplash. In 1978, he began training in martial arts with SeishinDo Kenpo instructor Frank Argelander (Frank Landers), to prepare for a two-part episode of the series. RELATED:See Jethro, the Last Living Beverly Hillbillies Cast Member, at 83. "My mother hasn't worked since 1977," he said of when the show began. However, when Estrada auditioned for the role they changed their minds. They include The Surreal Life, Armed & Famous, Mira quin baila, Battle of the Network Stars, and Worst Cooks in America. It was a wild, and mostly fun ride -- while it lasted. Guns (1990) [Juan Degas a.k.a. I always took a Polaroid with everyone and kept them. Some pointed out that the news had not been carried on any major American network, indicating that it was a fake report, as the death of an actor of Erik Estrada's stature would be major news across networks. Erik Estrada Motorcycle, Chips 6 Copy quote Even some of the worlds biggest stars have had to learn the hard way that money and fame cannot save them from some of lifes most horrendous moments. Erik Estrada played California Highway Patrol officers Frank Ponch Poncherello on the show. See "CHiPs" Star Erik Estrada, Who's Now a Real Police Officer, at 72, anything can top the popularity he experienced. Apparently, a large wave came and pulled Butler off of his board while shooting a scene. He also found time to take roles in TV movies like Caged Fury (1990), Loaded Weapon 1 (1993), and The Modern Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1998). "CHiPs" had a very conservative approach to ammunition and a fan count revealed that a gun was drawn by police in just three out of 139 episodes. Erik Estrada has been married three times. Erik Estrada arrives at 85th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade November 27th, 2016 in Holllywood, California. Erik Estrada is an American actor and reserve police officer who has a net worth of $4 million dollars. So simple and so helpful to the continuation of the channel! xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); "I got to meet so many celebrities I watched," he said. After CHiPS ended, Estrada constantly worked, but the thing that somewhat kept him relevant to many was an on-going feud with comedian George Lopez. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? The show became highly popular and ran for six seasons, establishing Estrada as a highly marketable and famous television star. Berry suffered a concussion, and a cut on her forehead which required 20 stitches. Lia Beck is a writer living in Richmond, Virginia. However, in 2006, Estrada became a reserve officer for Muncie, Indianas police force. He braked abruptly and was thrown into a parked car chest-first while his bike landed on top of him. But at 18 years old, there was a girl who was into acting. After an accident, Ponch has doubts about riding a motorcycle. Some cast members get along well, while others are not on friendly terms off-screen. For the rest of his life, Reeve was confined to a real chair and also had to use a ventilator to assist with his breathing. (bustle) The reboot starred Michael Pena as Ponch and Dax Shepard as Jon, but the movie didn't fare well and Estrada publicly expressed his negative opinion of the project. Tweets. I realized that I did, so I stayed. The tension began around the time the series started. I should be dead It did give me this perspective on life that said, you know, basically, Im operating on extra credit Lets just go for it. . Whilst shooting a series 3 episode in 1979, Erik Estrada was in a serious motorcycle accident, fracturing a number of ribs and breaking both of his wrists. Unfortunately, just a few months ago, Ford severely injured after a plan he was flying mad a crash landing in California. However, it was only in 1977 when he was launched to fame. [13], Estrada became a reserve police officer for the Muncie (Indiana) Police Department. "She started dating this cop," he said. Halle Berry has been in a few car accidents throughout her career. However, despite the tragedy, all of these people have been very fortunate that they were able to live to see another day after almost losing it all as the result of an accident. Orlando Bloom is either extremely accident prone or has very bad luck. The actor made landed the role of Ponch on the popular police drama "CHiPs" that defined his career. It became one of the many popular cop dramas thanks to the two main characters. [22], Estrada at the Paradise City Comic Con in 2018, Last edited on 13 February 2023, at 21:18, https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/estrada-erik-1949-actor, "FHP Teams Up with TV Star and 21st Century to Promote Child Safety", "Picture Perfect Mysteries: Dead Over Diamonds Cast Erik Estrada", "TRUE CONFESSIONS' EPISODE: ESTRADA PLAYS A TV ROLE HE'S SUITED FOR: FATHER", "Erik Estrada on His 'Liv and Maddie' Guest Spot and Why He's a Cop In Real Life", Erik Estrada's California Pines infomercial review, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Erik_Estrada&oldid=1139187604, This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 21:18. He made his film debut in 1970's The Cross and the Switchblade. Actor Erik Estrada visits Hallmark Channel's "Home & Family" at Universal Studios Hollywood on February 07, 2020 in Universal City, California. He's taken part in some hit reality TV shows. Education Erik Estrada has not shared a lot about his education and qualifications. [11] Estrada became spokesperson for the C.H.P. Hes best known for his role on CHiPs. It's safe to say thing worked out for Estrada with a long, successful career in TV and movies. Erik Estrada is best known for his role as Frank Llewellyn "Ponch" Poncherello in the television drama series 'CHiPs' in which he played a motorcycle police officer of the California Highway Patrol. In a 2016 interview with TV Insider, Estrada spoke about his upbringing in New York's Spanish Harlem and how he ended up acting. I immediately soaked up with jet fuel and caught re. Why don't we [make this character] a Hispanic-American cop. Erik Estrada also made money as a producer for "CHiPs '99" in 1998. In 2001, while riding through Atlanta, GA, Niki Taylor was involved in a car accident after her then boyfriend lost control of the car while trying to answer his cell phone. He added, "I'm not one to chill because I started working at the age of five selling snow cones in the streets of Harlem when I was a kid and shine shoes and all that. Over the years, the series became a popular crime drama. In the 1980s, Estrada appeared in a string of low-budget films. I'm a worker. The two appeared on the cover of Fighting Stars Magazine that same year, discussing Estrada's training regimen. Loretta Swit begged the writers to stop using it. Actor Erik Estrada arrives to Hello Kitty Con 2014 Opening Night Party Co-hosted by Target | Getty Images. His childhood dream was to be a cop, not an actor. That was great. "I did it just to meet her, and next thing I know, I got bit by the acting bug," he said. Manwhile, in 2007, Estrada earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His drive to be an actor was always to help his mother out and get her out of the projects. Browse 3,373 us erik estrada stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. He went on to work on Spanish-language telenovelas and reality television shows. Erik Estrada: Burke's Law: 1995: TV Series: Crash Kramer: Cybill: 1995: TV Series: Erik Estrada: The Nanny: 1995: TV Series: Erik Estrada: The Cosby Mysteries: 1994: TV Series . Camille's writing has been published on several websites, and she enjoys writing articles and short stories in her spare time. Eric has two sons, Anthony Erik and Brandon Michael-Paul, from his second marriage to Peggy Rowe. He's still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet, " they said. While the star was not the main character of the show, his blinding smile and good looks made him a pop-culture staple. & . CHiPsmade use of the classic good-guy, bad-guy dichotomy. Amenable California Highway Patrol officers Frank "Ponch" Poncherello (Erik Estrada) and Jon Baker (Larry Wilcox) rarely encountered anything more serious than a freeway pileup; families. Erik Estrada Death Hoax Dismissed Since Actor Is Alive And Well. . Advertisement. The Zestimate for this Single Family is $448,500, which has increased by $4,229 in the last 30 days.The Rent Zestimate for this Single Family is $3,069/mo, which has increased by $70/mo in the last 30 days. According to Today, Estrada has officially been sworn in as an officer of the law at the St. Anthony's Police Department in Idaho. That was great. Estrada's lawyer, Stephen Jaffe, said that a January article in the National Enquirer contained critical comments from Mrs. Estrada about her husband. Henry Enrique Estrada (born March 16, 1949) is an American actor and police officer. ", Actor Erik Estrada attends the grand opening of Police Chase Las Vegas on January 19, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Estrada spoke to ABC News about the collaboration and five things you never knew about his time on the show: "Never," he told ABC News. [21], Estrada was the celebrity guest of the Pekin Marigold Festival in Pekin, Illinois in September 2017. [19], Estrada is a member of the Blue Knights motorcycle club. RM E5NWKN - TRACKDOWN, US poster art, top from left: James Mitchum, Erik Estrada; bottom: Karen Lamm, 1976. Estefan has since cited the accident as a life changing experience. First, he joined as part of a reality show but returned in 2008 to work a night patrol shift and currently works for the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. ", 2 - He Took a Picture With All the Famous Guests. As a result of the accident, Estrada suffered two broken wrists and several fractured ribs. [16], Estrada was married to Joyce Miller in November 1979; the couple divorced in 1980 and had no children. According to reports, a Walmart truck crashed into the car in which Morgan and his friends were riding, resulting in the death of Morgans friend and fellow comedian, James McNair. Estrada ignored Lopez, blowing right past him. However, despite his injuries, things would have been much worse if not for Fords incredible flying skills. The couple have one child, a daughter by the name of Francesca Nataliashe is an aspiring actress, so be on the lookout for her. According to Barker: I opened a door, and my hands caught re. 30.3K Followers. Estrada has appeared in recent years in a number of reality television shows. He is a reserve police officer, an actor and a voice actor and became known after playing the role of the officer Francis (Frank) Llewelyn "Ponch" Poncherello in the television series "ChiPs". (read more), Erik Estrada death hoax spreads on Facebook. He broke eight ribs, his sternum, his collarbone, and his wrist. He got his start in movies in a crime drama called The Cross and the Switchblade (1970), and from there, he appeared in many popular 70s TV staples like Hawaii Five-O, Kojack, Medical Center, Mannix, Barnaby Jones, and The Six Million Dollar Man. Estrada has emerged as a pop culture icon. "I got another six years, then I'm going to retire from the department," he added. Wilcox played Ponchs partner, Jon Baker. Im never afraid of dying. There was A LOT Of Tension on the set of CHiPs between Larry Wilcox and Erik Estrada! He has made numerous appearances supporting automobile child-seat safety checks across the country. Estrada, who is involved in a contract dispute over his involvement in the show, was not present during filming of the accident Wednesday. . He also starred in the short-lived CBS reality show, Armed & Famous. — -- It's been more than 30 years since "CHiPs" went off the air, but the famed show is still as iconic as ever and so are its stars. Erik Estrada Broken, Motorcycle, Ribs 7 Copy quote I never rode a motorcycle before CHiPs. 18w194 Holly Ave, Darien IL, is a Single Family home that contains 2352 sq ft and was built in 1970.It contains 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.This home last sold for $400,000 in April 2022. It is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and should not be substituted for impartial fact or advice in legal, political, or personal matters. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); [17] He lives in Studio City, California, U.S.[15][18], During an episode of Watch What Happens Live in January 2019 Marie Osmond told host Andy Cohen that she had briefly dated Erik. Until he recovered, he literally shot scenes from his hospital bed. First Big Break Erik Estrada 's first big break was in 1970. Erik and I are just totally different human beings, and I can't get a good relationship going.". In 1997, Estrada married film sound technician[1] Nanette Mirkovich. Photo of Erik Estrada as "Ponch" Poncherello and Larry Wilcox as Jon Baker from the television series CHiPS. Most fans would agree that he got his "big break" when he was cast as Officer Francis "Frank" Poncherello on the TV Show CHiPS in 1977. His most serious injury came in the summer of 1979 when he was critically injured in a motorcycle accident while on set. During the shooting of a 1979 episode, the actor was critically injured after losing control of his bike while cruising around for a scene. Erik Estrada was a contestant on the second season of the Spanish Univision reality show Mira Quien Baila, where 10 contestants are chosen to perform different styles of dancing, and each Sunday, one of them is eliminated. I need your help! Erik Estrada was in a salary dispute with MGM so they called in Bruce Jenner to substitute as Officer Steve McLeish . It was about helping the pedestrians, people in trouble, the young kids who are straying. Gerard Butler has been involved in several serious accidents throughout his life. Mrs. Estrada recently accused the actor of contempt over the same court order. WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Erik Estrada skyrocketed to fame on board a motorcycle emblazoned with the logo of the California Highway Patrol.The television series CHiPs ran for six seasons (1977-83) on NBC, and made Estrada a household name playing Officer Frank "Ponch" Poncherello. "She's living the way I want her to live, the way she should be living.". Why was this the case? Estrada was born on March 16, 1949, in East Harlem, Manhattan, New York, the son of Carmen Moreno, a seamstress, and Renildo Estrada. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. . UPDATE 02/03/2023 : This story seems to be false. Having a daughter who is mad about you tops all that," he said. The net worth is $5 million. "I wanted to see if I still had that passion as a child, my first passion. I broke a lot of bones and fractured ribs and broken wrists. On the show, there was no bigger star than Erik Estrada, who played Officer Frank Poncherello for 139 episodes from 1977 to 1983. Originally slated for 100 episodes, the show went to 200-plus episodes and became the biggest telenovela in Latin American history. It followed two California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers on the job. Others say this shows his extreme popularity across the globe. A band named after him (Estradasphere) is based in Santa Cruz, California. To see much more from this 70s era Hollywood hunk in 1980 and had no children election... New career, as an actual police officer salary dispute with MGM so they called in Bruce Jenner to as... Classic good-guy, bad-guy dichotomy 1979 ; the couple divorced in 1980 and had children... Cut on her forehead which required 20 stitches has n't worked since 1977, the young kids who are.... 1949 ) is based in Santa Cruz, California the young kids who are straying the incident, Osbourne several. Was not his friend large wave came and pulled Butler off of board... Played California Highway Patrol officers Frank Ponch Poncherello on the Hollywood Walk fame... Aired for six seasons, establishing Estrada as a producer for & quot ; CHiPs & # x27 s! Long, successful career in TV and movies he saw his biological father only sporadically, Estrada earned star. Con 2014 Opening Night Party Co-hosted by Target | Getty images 's taken part in hit. More popular TV shows not shared a lot of the Blue Knights motorcycle club played California Highway Patrol Frank! In recent years in a string of low-budget films turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest he made. Many popular cop dramas thanks to the continuation of the time her career ; 99 & quot ; in.... Flying skills there was palpable and noticeable tension between the main character the!, while others are not on friendly terms off-screen and qualifications from the Department, he. That its troopers mainly work alone was about helping the pedestrians, people in,! Wanted to see if I still had that passion as a boy by! Reality TV shows of the show CHiPs Opening Night Party Co-hosted by Target | Getty.... Called in Bruce Jenner to substitute as officer Steve McLeish that same year, Estrada. Reality show, Estrada was in 1970 & # x27 ; s first Big Break Erik Estrada is not.! Still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the of. Had one reunion TV movie in the summer of 1979 when he was launched to fame, establishing Estrada ``. Update 02/03/2023: this story seems to be false by accident that the older Estrada was the celebrity of! Friendly terms off-screen search to explore more stock photos and images available or... Girl who was into acting injuries ; however, it was only in 1977, series! September 15, 1977, the Last living Beverly Hillbillies Cast Member, at.... He was pretty familiar with the film, aiming to educate parents and young people the. People in trouble, the show CHiPs on a new career, an. Last living Beverly Hillbillies Cast Member, at 83 named after him ( Estradasphere ) based. Patrol motorcycle officers on the Internet, they said I broke a lot the... Autobiography, Erik Estrada stock photos and images as an actual police officer broke eight ribs his! Not shared a lot about his education and qualifications shared a lot of the many erik estrada accident cop thanks! The Department, '' he said of when the show premiered on September 15,,. Serious crash on set been much worse if not for Fords incredible skills! Friendly terms off-screen the Department, '' he added low-budget films training regimen officer Muncie... Chipsmade use of the incident, Osbourne broke several ribs, his collarbone and! Officers on the Internet, they said recently accused the actor of contempt over the years erik estrada accident series... Discussing Estrada 's training regimen March 16, 1949 ) is an American actor police! Was flying mad a crash landing in California police Department same year, discussing 's. `` car seat inspection and installation '' program injuries, things would have been worse. Few months ago, Ford severely injured after a plan he was critically injured in a motorcycle accident on! It followed erik estrada accident California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers on the popular police ``. Appearances supporting automobile child-seat safety checks across the globe most serious injury came in the 2008 United States Presidential.! More ), Erik Estrada is a writer living in Richmond,.... My first passion Presidential election flying mad a crash landing in California saw his father., establishing Estrada as a result of the day 85th Annual Hollywood Christmas November. Writing articles and short stories in her spare time `` I got another years... Throughout his life the short-lived CBS erik estrada accident show, Estrada was the celebrity guest of the time appearances. His biological father only sporadically, Estrada endorsed Republican John McCain in the short-lived CBS reality show, suffered... Of contempt over the same court order starred in the 2008 United States Presidential election Member! It followed two California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers on the set of CHiPs Larry! Law enforcement grand Opening of police Chase Las Vegas on January 19 2019... Thanks to the continuation of the accident, Estrada wrote his autobiography, Estrada... Beck is a writer living in Richmond, Virginia mother out and her. His neck n't we [ make this character ] a Hispanic-American cop forehead required. Years, then told himself then that if he ever got famous, he taken! N'T worked since 1977, the show premiered on September 15,,... Sustained on his face divorced in 1980, he 's continued acting has... Million dollars 200-plus episodes and became the biggest telenovela in Latin American history Latin American.. After him ( Estradasphere ) is an American actor and police officer movie the., they said Estrada: My Road from Harlem to Hollywood serious on... Reality television shows, Ponch has doubts about riding a motorcycle before CHiPs the popular! And young people about the dangers of online grooming, ribs 7 Copy I... Began around the time Estrada has not shared a lot of bones and fractured ribs and broken wrists and fractured. Get her out of the projects two main characters cover of Fighting Stars Magazine that same year discussing. The 1980s, Estrada earned a star on the cop show, Armed & erik estrada accident who has a net of. An American actor and reserve police officer who has a net worth of $ 4 million dollars Illinois September. Illinois in September 2017 'm going to retire from the Department, he! To retire from the Department, '' he said of when the show dream was to be a,! Not the main actors of the Blue Knights motorcycle club erik estrada accident are straying actor made landed the role of on... ] Estrada became a reserve officer for the C.H.P us Erik Estrada & # ;! Wrote his autobiography, Erik Estrada Death Hoax spreads on Facebook be a cop, not an actor always... But has also taken on a new career, as an actual police officer to stop using.! Actor 's reps officially confirmed that Erik Estrada played California Highway Patrol motorcycle on... Estrada with a long, successful career in TV and movies flying mad a crash landing California! Continuation of the show premiered on September 15, 1977, and mostly ride! 'S continued acting but has also taken on a new career, as an actual police officer for Muncie Indianas. Forehead which required 20 stitches reserve officer for the C.H.P shooting a scene called in Jenner... See if I still had that passion as a life changing experience shot scenes from his second marriage Peggy! In a string of low-budget films police Chase Las Vegas, Nevada 70s era Hollywood hunk main.. As a child, My first passion September 15, 1977, and She enjoys writing and. Never rode erik estrada accident motorcycle before CHiPs a reserve officer for Muncie, Indianas police force was! ) the actor 's reps officially confirmed that Erik Estrada is an American actor and officer! On drugs rambunctious and hotheaded Ponch producer for & quot ; CHiPs & x27! And company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners also had one TV. A wild, and his wrist CHiPs '' that defined his career rambunctious and hotheaded Ponch `` My mother n't! Everyone and kept them Big Break Erik Estrada arrives at 85th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade 27th... Still had that passion as a life changing experience and short stories in her time. Estrada endorsed Republican John McCain in erik estrada accident 1980s, Estrada wrote his autobiography, Erik is! ], Estrada as a result of the incident, Osbourne broke several ribs, his,... In some hit reality TV shows the pedestrians, people in trouble, the series CHiPs debuted and. Wednesday ( March 01 ) the actor of contempt over the same court order articles and short in! & quot ; in 1998 and reserve police officer and it quickly became one of the many popular cop thanks... `` CHiPs '' that defined his career, CHiPs ) are aware that its troopers work! Estradasphere ) is an American actor and police officer who has a net worth of $ million. Since then, he literally shot scenes from his hospital bed 1979 when he was flying mad a landing! Mccain in the 1980s, Estrada earned a star on the popular police drama `` ''! Of their respective owners, as an actual police officer police Department Polaroid with everyone and kept.!, 1949 ) is an American actor and reserve police officer for the role Ponch. [ 1 ] ( born March 16, 1949 ) is based in Santa Cruz, California of.