As of 2025, Erik Estrada’s net worth is estimated at $4 million. The bulk of this wealth comes from his long-running career in entertainment, where he gained fame through his role in the popular NBC TV show CHiPs.
Estrada has diversified his earnings over the years through acting, producing, voice acting, and his work as a police officer.
Early Life and Career
Background
Born as Henry Enrique Estrada on March 16, 1949, in East Harlem, New York, Erik Estrada comes from Puerto Rican descent.
Raised by his mother, Carmen Moreno, and his father, Renildo Estrada, he pursued an early interest in acting, which led him to study at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Estrada’s breakout role came when he was cast as Frank “Ponch” Poncherello in CHiPs.
Career Highlights
Fame from CHiPs
Estrada’s career skyrocketed when he starred in the TV series CHiPs as Officer Frank Poncherello. Starting in 1977, the show ran for six seasons and made Estrada a household name.
He began earning $5,000 per episode, and by the end of the series, he was earning $45,000 per episode.
Other Television Roles
After CHiPs, Erik Estrada appeared in numerous TV shows, including telenovelas, voice acting gigs, and reality TV shows.
His most notable telenovela role was in Dos Mujeres, un Camino, where he portrayed a trucker in a drama that became one of the most popular soap operas in Latin America.
Estrada also had guest roles in shows such as The Bold and the Beautiful, Spy TV, and Maya and Miguel.
Movies and Other Ventures
Estrada appeared in films like Planes: Fire and Rescue (2014) and Midway (1976). These movies helped him accumulate significant earnings.
He also appeared in a number of low-budget films in the ’80s and had recurring roles in TV movies and reality shows like Armed & Famous (2007). His voice acting work on Sealab 2021 further bolstered his income.
Real Estate and Cars
Houses
Erik Estrada resides in Studio City, Los Angeles, in a home he bought for $167,100. This property is a 1,322-square-foot house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Cars
Estrada has a penchant for luxury cars, particularly Rolls-Royces. He owned a 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II, which was repainted and featured in the TV show Unique Rides.
He later sold the car for $33,000. Estrada also owns other luxury vehicles and has a history of collecting high-end automobiles.
Personal Life
Family and Marriages
Erik Estrada’s personal life has seen multiple marriages. His first marriage was to Joyce Miller in 1979, but the couple divorced in 1980.
His second marriage was to Peggy Rowe, lasting from 1985 to 1990, and they had two children. In 1997, Estrada married Nanette Mirkovich, and together they have one daughter, Francesca Natalia.
Estrada has a close relationship with his children and enjoys spending quality time with them, often taking family vacations.
He is also a member of various organizations, including the Blue Knights motorcycle club and the “Loyal Order of Moose,” and has served as a reserve police officer in various locations.
Charity Work and Endorsements
Philanthropy
Estrada has supported several charitable organizations throughout his career. He is a proud supporter of American Humane, which rescues and protects animals, and The Smile Train, which provides free lip treatments to disadvantaged children.
He also advocates for anti-drug education through his involvement with the D.A.R.E. campaign.
Endorsements
Erik Estrada has appeared in various advertisements for major brands, including Burger King, Taco Bell, Head & Shoulders, and Diet Dr. Pepper. His celebrity status has made him a sought-after endorser, contributing to his wealth.
Book and Investments
Book Publications
In 1997, Estrada published his autobiography, Erik Estrada: My Road from Harlem to Hollywood, detailing his journey from his modest beginnings to his rise to fame.
Investments
Aside from acting and endorsements, Estrada has made smart investments in real estate and movies, which have further increased his net worth. His film productions include titles like CHiPs ’99 and Alien Seed.
