He’s always on a set somewhere, doing something. As an actor he has spent years on the Emmy winning Amazon Prime soap The Bay – and seemingly one film after another in front of the camera, as well as plenty of producing credits – and usually both. Currently starring in the PopStarTV series Purgatory, he’s previously appeared on Days Of Our Lives as Troy Winston. His next big project is a film he produced, he wrote and he starred in. A true tour de force, with a title – also the brainchild of Erik – never to see the light of day. He plays the role of Jimmy Starr in what could be an outstanding film, that will get plenty of buzz once everyone agrees on a title and distribution (oh, and Erik insists the X-rated title will be a go – we’ll have to agree to disagree).
HI: How have you held up during Covid-19?
Erik: Well, for the most part pretty well, despite the world falling apart!
HI: You were on a set out of the country shooting Purgatory when this all went down – were you concerned about getting back in the USA?
Erik: Yes I was actually filming In Armenia. We all were a little concerned towards the end when we got shutdown because of COVID-19, just shy of finishing the second season. We literally had to get flights at the very last second and get out of there before they shut the borders down and we would have been stuck there. We barely made it out – but we did!
HI: Will you be returning for more episodes?
Erik: It is looking like we will head back to Armenia sometime later this year to finish off the remaining episodes of the second season.
HI: Purgatory is now airing, are you happy with the finished product?
Erik: I’m extremely happy with how the show turned out! Visually the cinematography was stunning and locations were so surreal with the landscape near Sevan Lake in Armenia with the snowy mountains and breathtaking almost fake looking backdrops that were as real as day!!
HI: It’s a great starring role for you.
Erik: Yes, Bobby is the bad boy, the nemesis with a dark dark past and twisted personality – he takes you on a roller coaster throughout the series. I love playing characters I can really dig into and this was definitely one of those roles!
HI: And you’ve just finished shooting season six of never-ending Emmy winner The Bay recently, it’s a whole new way of film making?
Erik: There are lots of rules and regulations that have come in to play with COVID-19. We adapted pretty well for it being the first time back on set since the pandemic. We all had to have a lot of trust and love for each other to work together to get through this tough time. I would say we did one hell of a job!
HI: Your character is more hands on this season?
Erik: Yes, Damian Blackwell is definitely more involved this season. There’s a lot of emotional scenes ahead and I think season six is Damian’s chance to really show fans of The Bay what he is all about – and what he’s got!!
HI: Do you think Days of Our Lives blew it by not keeping you around – and becoming a big soap star?
Erik: No, I can’t say that Days blew anything. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity, and really enjoyed my stint on Days The cast that I got to work with during my stay was just amazing and I couldn’t have been happier. I look at it as a learning experience. Plain and simple – its not easy work!
HI: What have you learned about yourself, these past few months?
Erik: That I can be extremely productive when I have time to myself.
HI: You’ve been able to get out some, finding some social distancing locations?
Erik: I have been out a lot actually, a road trip to Arizona, as well as trip to Joshua Tree.
HI: What are you most looking forward to when things get back to normal?
Erik: Not wearing a mask!
HI: What is your favorite vacation spot?
Erik: Bacalar, Mexico
HI: Is there any place you’ve always wanted to visit, but haven’t?
Erik: Sweden and Italy where both sides of my family is from
HI: What was your first childhood brawl about?
Erik: It was against this kid Scott Taylor. He looked at me wrong. We fought. I lost.
HI: Who has been your hero?
Erik: Michael Jordan
HI: What’s the last song you caught yourself singing………in the shower?
Erik: Oops! I Did It Again – Brittany Spears
HI: Favorite tv show when you were a kid?
Erik: Saved By the Bell
HI: You get one phone call – who is it to?
Erik: My mom. Because I love her!
HI: What movie star would you love to star opposite of right now – what kind of movie would it be?
Erik: Tom Cruise – and let’s make it a comedy!
HI: So, you’re having a dinner party – and there is only room for six celebrities for you to invite, who is on that list?
Erik: Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Leo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Kate Beckinsale, and Ryan Reynolds.
HI: And you have to do the cooking, so what’s on the menu?
Erik: Postmates.
HI: How do you think/hope your friends describe you to their friends who haven’t met you?
Erik: He is loud and blunt and fun and cool and cocky, but humble and loves to be the center of attention!
Jim Warren
HollywoodHI