Erik Jensen
Biography
Erik Jensen (born July 20, 1970) is an American actor, playwright, screenwriter and director. He was born and raised in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and graduated from Apple Valley High School in 1988. Jensen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting from Carnegie Mellon University. He is a regular cast member on the ABC network series For Life, portraying assistant district attorney Dez O'Reilly. His television credits include playing Thurman Munson in the ESPN miniseries The Bronx Is Burning, conspiracy talk‑show host Frank Cody in Mr. Robot, and Dr. Stephen Edwards on The Walking Dead. He also appeared alongside Aasif Mandvi in Ayad Akhtar’s production titled “Di.”
Career overview
Erik Jensen was born on July 20, 1970, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and grew up in the same state. He completed his secondary education at Apple Valley High School in 1988 before pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting at Carnegie Mellon University. After graduating, Jensen embarked on a professional career that has encompassed acting, playwriting, screenwriting, and directing, with a primary focus on television work.
Jensen is a regular cast member on the ABC network series For Life, where he portrays assistant district attorney Dez O'Reilly. His television résumé also includes a portrayal of former New York Yankees catcher Thurman Munson in the ESPN miniseries The Bronx Is Burning, and a recurring role as conspiracy talk‑show host Frank Cody in the series Mr. Robot. In addition, he appeared as Dr. Stephen Edwards on the long‑running AMC series The Walking Dead. Jensen has worked alongside actors such as Aasif Mandvi in a production by Ayad Akhtar, further demonstrating his range across dramatic and genre programming.
Across his career Jensen has accumulated more than seventy credited appearances in film and television, reflecting a sustained presence in American screen acting. His work spans a variety of genres and network platforms, establishing him as a versatile character actor in contemporary television.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about Erik Jensen.
Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
78 titles- Tow (2026) as Mike Patterson
- Doc (2025) as Ned Lenczyk
- Brooklyn, Minnesota (2024) as Kurt
- Brooklyn, Minnesota (2024) Writer
- Brooklyn, Minnesota (2024) Director
- The Equalizer (2021) as Abe Watkins
- For Life (2020) as Dez O’Reilly
- What Breaks the Ice (2020) as Sheriff McClain
- The Line (2020) Writer
- Modern Love (2019) as Darren
- Almost Home (2019) Director
- Who? (2018) as Steven Edwards (Tv Series Footage)
- After Everything (2018) as Jeff
- MINDHUNTER (2017) as Dr. Moritz
- Mr. Robot (2015) as Frank Cody
- Quantico (2015) as Damon Grosch
- The Americans (2013) as Bruce Dameran
- House of Cards (2013) as Fitz
- Elementary (2012) as Isaac Proctor
- The Frontier (2012) as Doctor Strong
- Person of Interest (2011) as Walter Dang
- Unforgettable (2011) as Jim Clayburn
- A Bird of the Air (2011) as Bearded Man
- The Walking Dead (2010) as Steven Edwards
- Blue Bloods (2010) as Jimmy
- Past Life (2010) as Patrick
- Castle (2009) as Jason Byford
- NCIS: Los Angeles (2009) as FBI Agent Landon Frisbee
- The Good Wife (2009) as Josh Baldwin
- Lie to Me (2009) as Wayne Dobar
- Drop Dead Diva (2009) as Mr. Trilling
- Virtuality (2009) as Dr. Jules Braun
- Virtuality (2009)
- Stream (2009) as Marco
- The Mentalist (2008) as Bran McTavish
- Leverage (2008) as John Connell
- New Amsterdam (2008) as Durst
- The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (2008) as Video Store Manager Phil
- The Bronx Is Burning (2007) as Thurman Munson
- 30 Rock (2006) as Cjokula
- Love Monkey (2006) as Jeff
- The Exonerated (2006) as Jeff
- The Exonerated (2006) Writer
- The House Is Burning (2006) as Carl
- It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005) as Walter Harris
- The Naked Brothers Band: The Movie (2005) as Photographer
- Century City (2004) as Randolph Clemens
- Messengers (2004) as David Richards
- Undermind (2003) as Ian Waye
- Heartbreak Hospital (2002) as Producer
- The Year That Trembled (2002) as Todd Franklin
- Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001) as Richard Celeste
- Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001) as Boyd
- Black Knight (2001) as Derek
- Alias (2001) as Phillip Terrance
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000) as Jeffrey Sinclair
- Strong Medicine (2000) as Gaby's Father
- Deadline (2000) as Feldman
- Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000) as Stoner #2
- Borough of Kings (2000) as Frankie the Snake
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) as James Turner
- Third Watch (1999) as Larry
- The Love Letter (1999) as Ray
- Cherry (1999)
- Montana (1998) as Earl
- Above Freezing (1998) as Richie
- Julian Po (1997)
- Colin Fitz (1997) as Dean
- Arresting Gena (1997) as Stevie
- Swift Justice (1996) as Mutrix
- Ripe (1996) as Dave
- Twisted (1996) as Man Who Kills Can Man
- Inflammable (1995) as Roland Fantaine
- A Horse for Danny (1995) as Mooney
- Striking Distance (1993) as Kid On Steps
- Dead and Alive: The Race for Gus Farace (1991) as Boat Owner
- Law & Order (1990) as Joey Springfield
- Law & Order (1990) as George Harding
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Erik Jensen best known for?
Erik Jensen is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Doc (2025), The Equalizer (2021), For Life (2020), Modern Love (2019).
When and where was Erik Jensen born?
Erik Jensen was born on July 20, 1970 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, USA.
How many credits does Erik Jensen have?
Erik Jensen has accumulated over 78 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1990 to 2026.
What is Erik Jensen's background in cinema and television?
Erik Jensen (born July 20, 1970) is an American actor, playwright, screenwriter and director. He was born and raised in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and graduated from Apple Valley High School in 1988. Jensen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting from Carnegie Mellon University. He is a regular cast member on the ABC n...