Erik Estrada as Officer Frank “Ponch” Poncherello

Born Henry Enrique Estrada on March 16, 1949 in New York, the Young Erik Estrada Always Wanted to Be a Police Officer, but Turned to Acting After Joining His High School Drama Club. as He Told Parade, “I Was Going to Be a New York Cop Before I Became an Actor. I Couldn’t Take the Test Until I Was 18, and at 17 I Got Bit by the Acting Bug. I Gave Myself Until I Was 30. If I Had Some Success, Fine. If I Didn’t, I’d Come Back and Fulfill My Dream and My Mother’s Dream. ”

Larry Wilcox as Officer Jon Baker

Prior to Becoming an Actor, Larry Wilcox Served in the Marines During the Vietnam War. in the Early ’70S, He Began Appearing in Tv Movies and Shows, and Got Noticed for His Role in the Classic Series Lassie from 1971 to 1973. Wilcox Then Appeared in Episodes of the Partridge Family, Police Story, Hawaii Five-O and M*A*S*H.

Robert Pine as Sergeant Joseph Getraer

Robert Pine Played Sergeant Joseph Getraer, the Gruff Supervisor to the Show’s Two Protagonists. Born Granville Whitelaw Pine, the Actor Began Working in the ’60S, and Appeared in a Variety of Westerns While Under Contract with Universal Studios.

Paul Linke as Officer Artie Grossman

Paul Linke Played a Supporting Role as Officer Artie Grossman. Linke Grew up Around Showbiz, as His Father, Richard O. Linke, Was Andy Griffith’s Personal Manager. Surprisingly Given This Background, He Didn’t Originally Want to Be an Actor, but He Changed His Mind in College, When He Started Taking Acting Classes.

'Chips' Tv Show Cast: See the '70S Cops Then and Now

By Maya Lin-Takahashi

• Oct 9, 2026 • 7 min read

'Chips' Tv Show Cast: See the '70S Cops Then and Now

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

From 1977 to 1983, Chips Followed the Daily Beats of Two Cool, Motorcycle-Riding Policemen as They Patrolled the Complicated and Chaotic Freeway System in and Around L. A. the Show (Whose Title Is a Nickname for California Highway Patrol) Was a Hit, Thanks to Its Charismatic Leads and Compelling Plots Covering Everything from Stranded Motorists to Criminal Investigations, Mixed with a Dash of Humor and Sex Appeal.

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Consumer Tech & Gadget Reviewer

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.

Tags: chips tv show cast