Erik Jensen is a multifaceted artist, excelling as an actor, writer, and director. His extensive television credits include regular appearances on the ABC series For Life as ADA Dez O'Reilly, as well as notable guest roles on 30 Rock, The Americans, The Blacklist, and all three Law and Order franchises.
On stage, Jensen has delivered critically acclaimed performances, including his portrayal of gonzo rock journalist Lester Bangs in the solo-play "How To Be A Rock Critic" at Steppenwolf Theatre and The Public Theater. He co-wrote the play with his wife, Jessica Blank, who also directed the production.
In addition to his work as a performer, Jensen is a playwright and screenwriter. He and Jessica Blank are the authors of the multi-award-winning play "The Exonerated," which ran Off-Broadway for nearly two years and starred Richard Dreyfuss, Susan Sarandon, Aidan Quinn, and Delroy Lindo. The play is considered a genre-defining work in the realm of documentary theater and has won numerous awards, including the Lucille Lortel, Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, and Ovation Awards.
Jensen and Blank have also collaborated on the documentary plays "Aftermath" and "Coal Country," both of which received critical acclaim. Their latest play, "The Line," was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and features first-hand interviews with NYC medical first responders. The play streamed live on The Public Theater's YouTube Channel and received rave reviews.
As a writer, Jensen has co-created the sci-fi graphic novel "The Reconcilers" with R. EmeryBright and Pil Pilegaard. He is also an avid Dungeons and Dragons player and co-hosts the podcast "BardQuest Empire" with fellow actor and writer Fajer Al Kaisi.
Jensen and Blank have adapted and co-directed the feature film "Almost Home" based on Blank's novel of the same title. Their second feature, "How to be a Rock Critic," is currently in development with Likely Story.
Erik Jensen and his wife, Jessica Blank, live in Brooklyn with their daughter, Sadie.