Erik King was born on April 21, 1963, in Washington, D.C. He is an only child, and little is publicly known about his early life or personal background, which presents a challenge for biographers seeking detailed insight into his formative years.
King attended Morehouse College, a historically Black liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia, where he graduated with honors. His father was a police officer, a detail that may have influenced some of the roles he would later portray in his acting career.
At one point in his life, Erik King was involved in a serious car accident. The injuries he sustained were severe enough to make him question whether he would ever be able to return to acting. Nonetheless, he recovered and continued to build a successful career in television and film.
Erik King made his screen debut in 1983 in the television miniseries Kennedy, directed by Una Pierce and hosted by Mary Kennedy. He later made appearances on various television series, including NYPD Blue, JAG, and Matlock. His talent was consistently recognized, despite not having an extensive list of credits early in his career.
One of King's most notable television roles was as Moses Deyell in the critically acclaimed HBO series Oz. He also had guest roles in popular series such as Malcolm in the Middle and CSI: Miami.
Erik King's most celebrated role came on the Showtime drama Dexter, where he portrayed Detective James Doakes. Appearing in the show's first two seasons, King played a central antagonist to the main character, Dexter Morgan. His intense and memorable performance spanned 24 episodes and earned him critical acclaim, making it the defining role of his career.
While best known for his television work, King has also appeared in several feature films. In 1998, he played a supporting role in Barbet Schroeder’s thriller Desperate Measures, alongside Michael Keaton and Andy Garcia. He also appeared in Disney's action-adventure film National Treasure (2004), directed by Jon Turteltaub and starring Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, and Sean Bean. The film was a commercial success, earning nearly $360 million worldwide.
Erik King has also appeared in commercial work, notably as a spokesperson for Michelin tires, adding to his diverse portfolio in the entertainment and advertising industries.
Erik King stands 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) tall. He shares his April 21 birthday with notable figures such as author Charlotte Brontë, Queen Elizabeth II, and Spanish soccer player Isco.
In interviews, King has discussed his affinity for portraying complex characters like Detective Doakes, highlighting the ambiguity and varied nature of law enforcement figures. He is also an avid enthusiast of music and martial arts and dedicates some of his personal time to supporting underprivileged children.
While King’s exact net worth is not publicly confirmed, it is estimated to be between $2 million and $3 million.
Despite a relatively modest number of roles, King has earned noteworthy accolades. In 2008, he received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor on Television for his performance in Dexter. This nomination marked a significant acknowledgment of his talent in a competitive industry.
Although currently not active in any major projects, Erik King remains appreciated for his memorable roles and continues to be recognized for his contributions to television and film.
| Birth Date: | 21 Apr, 1969 |
| Age: | 51 yrs |
| Occupations: | Television actor Film actor Stage actor |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Washington, D.C. |
| Education: | Morehouse College |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American actor |
| Net Worth 2021: | 4 million |
