Erik Athavale, born in Windsor, Ontario, to Emily, a Canadian of Polish descent, and Ashok, an Indian immigrant, was destined for a life in the spotlight. His passion for acting was ignited during his high school years, and he went on to attend the University of Winnipeg, where he majored in Education with a Theatre minor, inspired by his parents, both educators.
However, Athavale's academic path took an unexpected turn when he switched to major in marketing at the University of Manitoba, earning a degree that would later serve as a valuable foundation for his future endeavors.
Fast-forward to 2012, Athavale refocused his attention on acting, and his hard work paid off as he became a sought-after supporting and character actor in TV and film. His impressive resume boasts a wide range of roles in feature films, including the AGBO-produced horror feature "All Fun and Games," the thriller "Bed Rest," and the ninth installment of the Sniper action film series "Sniper: Rogue Mission."
In addition to his film work, Athavale has entertained television audiences with recurring and guest star roles in the acclaimed CTV Comedy series "Acting Good," CTV/The CW's "The Spencer Sisters," CBC's "Burden of Truth" and "The Porter," and CityTV's "Sunnyside." He has also showcased his impressive range in the internationally acclaimed short film "Wolf in Dude's Clothing," which garnered over 30 million global mentions on TikTok.
As a versatile character actor, Athavale has delivered standout performances in both lighthearted Hallmark movies and intense dramas, sharing scenes with esteemed actors such as Sarah Paulson, Bob Odenkirk, Hilary Swank, Alan Ritchson, Lea Thompson, David Harbour, Michelle Monaghan, and Chrissy Metz, to name a few.
Beyond his acting career, Athavale is an in-demand audition coach, emerging screenwriter, and active moderator and strategist in the advertising and marketing industry in Western Canada. When he's not on set or in the office, Athavale is an avid traveler and devoted caregiver to his beloved hounds, who often steal the show on his Instagram feed.
