Erika Christensen Biography

Erika Christensen (born 19 August 1982) is an American actress whose film appearances include Traffic (2000) and The Perfect Score (2004), among others. She is also set to debut in a the new television drama Six Degrees on ABC. The show will debut on the ABC fall schedule in 2006..

She was born in Seattle, Washington, to Steve Christensen (an insurance worker) and Kathy (a construction manager), though she was raised in Los Angeles, California. Of Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Welsh, and Irish descent, she started out on television in commercials for McDonald's. Erika had several small roles in various television programs before starting her movie career. These shows include The Geena Davis Show, Frasier, The Practice, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and Touched by an Angel.

Christensen was named one of People magazine's "Breakthrough Stars of 2001." For her performance in Traffic she received the awards for Female Breakthrough Performance at the MTV Movie Awards, Female Standout Performance at the Young Hollywood Awards, and Outstanding Performance by a Cast Ensemble at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Christensen is also a member of the Church of Scientology. Her parents raised her in the faith and home-schooled her.