Erika Christensen is one of the most talented actresses of her generation. She is currently starring in the upcoming ABC drama “Will Trent,” playing Detective Angie Polaski, Trent’s close friend and on-again, off-again lover. Detective Polaski is navigating life as a cop and wrestling with her own traumatic past. “Will Trent” marks a return to the network for Christensen, having previously starred in the ABC drama “Ten Days in the Valley” opposite Kyra Sedgwick and “Wicked City” opposite Ed Westwick.
More recently, Christensen appeared in the family drama “Cheaper by the Dozen” also starring Gabrielle Union and Zach Braff. The reboot was a big success on Disney+. She also played a lead role in the well-received “The Case for Christ,” based on the Lee Strobel’s bestselling book. She also notably appeared in the HBO Film “Confirmation,” detailing the Senate hearings that preceded the confirmation of Justice Clarence Thomas, and the testimony and allegations of sexual harassment submitted by law professor Anita Hill. Christensen plays Shirley Wiegand, fellow law professor and close friend of Hill.
For six seasons on NBC’s critic-favorite “Parenthood,” Christensen portrayed Julia Braverman-Graham opposite screen husband Joel, played by Sam Jaeger. Joel and Julia’s love story developed a fervently dedicated fan following who admired and aspired to their relationship. Prior to “Parenthood,” Christensen starred in J.J. Abrams’ television series “Six Degrees.”
Audiences were stunned by Christensen’s performance in Steven Soderbergh’s film “Traffic” as Michael Douglas’ drug-addicted daughter. The film’s cast won a SAG Award for Best Cast, a Golden Globe® Award and several Academy Awards®. Christensen also won an MTV Movie Award for her role. She starred in multiple critically acclaimed films, such as Robert Schwentke’s “Flight Plan” opposite Jodie Foster, Brian Robbins’ “The Perfect Score” opposite Scarlett Johansson, Bob Dolman’s “The Banger Sisters” opposite Susan Sarandon and Goldie Hawn, and cult-favorite thriller “Swimfan” opposite Jesse Bradford.
In 2014, Christensen won a Gracie Award, an award that honors actor’s portrayals of characters which support women in entertainment, for her performance on “Parenthood.” She previously received the Spirit Award at the 2003 Annual Diversity Awards, an honor bestowed upon an actor who has demonstrated diversity in role choices during their career.
Christensen resides in Los Angeles with her family.
