Erik Jensen

Erik Jensen, born on July 20, 1970, is a multifaceted American actor, playwright, screenwriter, and director who has made significant contributions to the performing arts. Hailing from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Jensen completed his high school education at Apple Valley High School in 1988 before pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting at Carnegie Mellon University.

Jensen has gained notable recognition for his role as Assistant District Attorney Dez O'Reilly on the ABC series *For Life*. His impressive filmography includes portraying baseball legend Thurman Munson in the ESPN miniseries *The Bronx Is Burning*, and appearing as Frank Cody, a conspiracy talk show host in the acclaimed series *Mr. Robot*. He has also taken on the role of Dr. Stephen Edwards in the hit series *The Walking Dead*.

In theater, Jensen starred alongside Aasif Mandvi in Ayad Akhtar's *Disgraced* at Lincoln Center, and co-wrote the one-man show *How to Be a Rock Critic*, inspired by the writings of rock journalist Lester Bangs, alongside his wife, Jessica Blank. This production was showcased in prestigious venues, including the Kirk Douglas Theater and Off-Broadway at The Public Theater.

In 2017, he co-directed the film *Almost Home*, based on Blank’s novel. By 2020, he premiered two co-written plays, *Coal Country* and *The Line*, at The Public Theater. More recently, in the 2022-2023 season, he graced Broadway as Bruno Bischofberger in Anthony McCarten's *The Collaboration*, performing alongside Paul Bettany and Jeremy Pope. Jensen draws inspiration from the works of notable figures like Anna Deavere Smith and Studs Terkel.