Eric Balfour

Eric Balfour is an American actor and musician known for his work in film and television. He gained significant recognition for his role as Duke Crocker on the Syfy series Haven and has appeared in numerous other projects including The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Six Feet Under. Balfour is also the lead vocalist for the rock band Born as Ghosts.

Early life and education

Eric Salter Balfour was born on April 24, 1977, in Los Angeles, California. He is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and was raised in a creative environment, which fostered his early interest in performing arts. Balfour attended Beverly Hills High School, where he began to pursue acting, participating in school theater productions. He later studied at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting to further hone his craft before embarking on a professional career in Hollywood.

Career

Balfour's career began in the early 1990s with guest appearances on television series such as Saved by the Bell and Beverly Hills, 90210. His breakout role came in 2003 when he portrayed Kemper in the horror remake The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, a performance that brought him wider recognition. He subsequently secured a recurring role as Gabriel Dimas on the acclaimed HBO drama Six Feet Under. Balfour's television work expanded with series regular roles on Veronica Mars, 24, and The O.C.. He achieved his most prominent and enduring television success playing the charismatic smuggler Duke Crocker on the Syfy supernatural drama Haven, a role he held from 2010 to 2015. His other notable film credits include What Women Want, Secondhand Lions, and The Spirit.

Filmography

A selected list of Eric Balfour's film and television work includes the film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003), the television series Six Feet Under (2003–2005), and the series Haven (2010–2015). Other significant credits encompass the film Secondhand Lions (2003), episodes of 24 (2005), the series Veronica Mars (2005–2006), and the film The Spirit (2008). He has also appeared in projects such as Conviction, Skyline, and the television series Hawaii Five-0.

Music career

Parallel to his acting, Balfour has maintained an active music career. He is the founder and lead vocalist for the Los Angeles-based rock band Born as Ghosts, which formed in the early 2000s. The band's music has been featured in several television shows and films, including an episode of Haven. Born as Ghosts has performed at notable venues like the Roxy Theatre and the Viper Room on the Sunset Strip. Balfour has cited musical influences ranging from Led Zeppelin to The Doors, and his work in music often intersects with his projects in film and television.

Personal life

Balfour married actress and yoga instructor Erin Chiamulon in 2015 in a ceremony in Topanga, California. The couple is known for their shared interest in health, wellness, and outdoor activities. An avid surfer, Balfour often spends time at beaches in Malibu and Venice, Los Angeles. He is also involved in various charitable endeavors, supporting organizations focused on environmental conservation and animal welfare.

Category:American male television actors Category:American male film actors Category:American rock singers Category:1977 births Category:Living people Category:Actors from Los Angeles