Stephanie Erb

Stephanie Erb is an American actress known for her work in TV, film, and theater. She grew up all over the United States as a university brat and was drawn to both a medical career and the arts. However, when she saw Laurence Olivier’s Hamlet at eight years old, she knew she truly wanted to be an actress. Her training began at The Cleveland Playhouse and continued at SMU’s acclaimed Theatre Program; when she moved to New York she started years of jobs in the regional-theater circuit, including work at Arena Stage, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Cleveland Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Dallas Shakespeare Festival, Utah Shakespeare Festival, etc., and an expansive tour of the United States with John Houseman’s Acting Company (“Two Gents”, “Romeo and Juliet”). She also holds degrees in English and biology.

Stephanie garners a lot of inspiration from both of her parents. Her father, the late American contemporary composer Donald Erb, encouraged her pursuit of the arts and was always a beacon of artistic integrity, perseverance, and compassion. Her mother Lucille provided endless support and love, which made it possible for her to pursue a quixotic business. Through all the ups and downs, her parents offered listening ears, and her very successful father would even mention from time to time, “You know, I could have been a fireman and been just as happy.”

Stephanie began to work in television and film upon moving to Los Angeles, and has been active in both ever since, performing in the theater whenever possible. Her first break in television was as a guest star on the cult favorite, Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987). She owes her film debut to Peter Weir, who cast her in Fearless (1993) with Jeff Bridges and Isabella Rossellini.

Her extensive career also includes recurring roles on Weeds (2005), 24 (2001), and Freaks and Geeks (1999), as well as film appearances on such productions as The Ring (2002), South Dakota (2017), and Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny (2006). Additional television work includes recurring characters on Ray Donovan (2013), The Young and the Restless (1973), and The Fosters (2013) to add to her resume of over 100 individual appearances onscreen. Stephanie has garnered numerous awards for her work in theater, as well as onscreen.

As she says, “It’s a crazy life, but someone has to do it.” And she does, with gratitude. A resident of Los Angeles, Stephanie lives with her family and two needy chihuahuas.