Eric Close
A steady, reliable presence on network television for decades, often playing the grounded professional in high-stakes dramatic worlds.
Born 1967 (age 59)·American actor and director (b.1967)·Birthday: May 24·Generation X
Biography
Eric Close built a career on being the dependable center in chaotic fictional universes. After early roles in films like 'The Sky is Falling,' he found his footing on television, where his earnest demeanor and leading-man looks made him a natural fit for series regular roles. He first gained significant attention as Michael Wiseman, a man whose brain is transplanted into a new body, in the cult sci-fi drama 'Now and Again.' This led to his longest-running part: seven seasons as earnest FBI agent Martin Fitzgerald on the missing-persons procedural 'Without a Trace,' where he embodied the methodical, compassionate heart of the investigative team. Later, he slid into the world of country music drama as Teddy Conrad on 'Nashville,' and became a recurring legal foil on 'Suits.' Unlike many actors who chase film stardom, Close carved out a niche as a trusted utility player for network dramas, delivering consistent performances that anchored shows through countless plot twists.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Eric was born in 1967, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Eric Was Born
The biggest hits of 1967
#1 Movie
The Jungle Book
Best Picture
In the Heat of the Night
#1 TV Show
The Andy Griffith Show
Eric's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1967Born
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1972Started school
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1980Became a teenager
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1983Could drive
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1985Could vote
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1988Turned 21
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1997Turned 30
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2007Turned 40
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2017Turned 50
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 59 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as FBI Agent Martin Fitzgerald for seven seasons on the hit CBS drama 'Without a Trace'.
- Played the lead role of Michael Wiseman in the critically praised sci-fi series 'Now and Again'.
- Had a major recurring role as ruthless lawyer Travis Tanner across multiple seasons of 'Suits'.
- Portrayed wealthy businessman Teddy Conrad for five seasons on the ABC musical drama 'Nashville'.
Did You Know?
He is an accomplished guitarist and performed music live on set during his time on 'Nashville'.
He directed an episode of 'Without a Trace' titled 'Cloudy with a Chance of Gettysburg'.
He turned down a role on the series 'JAG' early in his career.
He is married to actress Keri Close, and they have two daughters.
“I'm drawn to characters who are trying to hold things together when everything is falling apart.”
