Erica Lei Leerhsen, professionally known as Erica Leerhsen, is an accomplished American actress and producer. She is widely recognized for her standout performances in horror cinema and television. Born on February 14, 1976, in New York City, she carved out a distinct niche for herself in the entertainment industry. She secured memorable roles in major slasher and psychological thriller films and collaborated with renowned directors like Woody Allen. With a career spanning over two decades, Leerhsen remains a fascinating figure in modern Hollywood.
Erica Leerhsen Biography & Quick Facts
To understand the journey of this versatile American actress, here is a quick overview of her background, physical attributes, and personal details:
- Full Name: Erica Lei Leerhsen
- Date of Birth: February 14, 1976
- Age: 50 years old
- Place of Birth: New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: White American
- Profession: Actress, Producer
- Height: 5 ft 8½ in (174 cm)
- Religion: Christianity
- Parents: Charles Leerhsen and Barbara Leerhsen
- Siblings: Nora Leerhsen and Debbie Leerhsen
- Marital Status: Married
- Husband: David Wilson (m. 2012); Antony Galvan (m. 2007-2008, div.)
- Children: None publicly confirmed
- Net Worth: Estimated between $1 million and $2 million
Early Life, Parents, and Education
Erica Leerhsen was born in New York City and raised in Ossining, Westchester County, New York. She grew up alongside her two younger sisters, Nora and Debbie. Her father, Charles Leerhsen, established a prominent career in journalism as a longtime editor for the celebrity publication Us Weekly. Her mother, Barbara Leerhsen, also supported the family.
Growing up, Leerhsen attended St. Augustine’s School and later graduated from Ossining High School. Showing an early dedication to the performing arts, she enrolled at the Boston University College of Fine Arts. During her college years, she actively participated in stage productions, including plays like The Call of the Wild and The Tempest. She graduated summa cum laude in 1998, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting.
Career Breakthrough and Major Movies & TV Shows
Leerhsen officially launched her professional acting career around 1999. Her breakout moment arrived in 2000 when she secured a leading role in the psychological horror sequel Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2. Despite facing mixed reviews from critics upon its initial release, the film was a commercial success. It grossed over $47 million globally and instantly catapulting Leerhsen into the spotlight.
Following this early success, she solidified her status as a scream queen by starring in notable horror projects. In 2003, she appeared alongside Jessica Biel in the slasher hit The Texas Chainsaw , which became a massive box office success. It pulled in over $107 million worldwide. She later starred in Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (2007) and the indie thriller The Butterfly Room (2012). Notably, while filming the independent thriller Lonely Joe (2009), Leerhsen performed her own stunts and narrowly avoided serious injury during an intense train sequence.
Beyond horror, Leerhsen demonstrated impressive acting range by branching out into mainstream television and prestige cinema. In 2001, she made a memorable guest appearance on the third season of HBO’s critically acclaimed mafia drama The Sopranos. She played a lesbian tennis instructor who becomes romantically involved with Drea de Matteo’s character. She also joined the main cast of the CBS legal drama series The Guardian, portraying Amanda Bowles alongside Simon Baker during the show’s first season.
Her cinematic portfolio also features high-profile collaborations with auteur Woody Allen. Leerhsen appeared in Allen’s films Hollywood Ending (2002), Anything Else (2003), and Magic in the Moonlight (2014). She also appeared in his theatrical play A Second-Hand Memory (2004).
Husband, Relationships, and Personal Life
Erica Leerhsen keeps much of her personal life private, but details regarding her marriages are well-documented by media outlets.
She was first married to professional cyclist Antony Galvan on February 14, 2007. However, the union was short-lived, and the couple filed for divorce, which was finalized in 2008. They did not share any children.
On June 29, 2012, Leerhsen married her second husband, David Wilson. The couple currently resides in Los Angeles, California. To date, no children have been publicly announced or confirmed from her marriages, as the actress largely maintains a quiet domestic life away from heavy tabloid scrutiny.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
As an established film and television actress with decades of professional experience, Erica Leerhsen has accumulated a healthy financial portfolio. Industry estimates place her net worth between $1 million and $2 million. Her primary sources of income stem from her acting salaries in box-office hit horror films, recurring television roles, independent features, and stage performances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Erica Leerhsen
How old is Erica Leerhsen?
Erica Leerhsen was born on February 14, 1976. As of 2026, she is 50 years old.
Who is Erica Leerhsen’s husband?
Erica Leerhsen is currently married to David Wilson, whom she wed on June 29, 2012. She was previously married to professional cyclist Antony Galvan from 2007 until their divorce in 2008.
Does Erica Leerhsen have any children?
No, Erica Leerhsen does not have any children publicly confirmed from either of her marriages.
What are Erica Leerhsen’s most famous movies and TV shows?
She is best known for her roles in horror films like Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000), The Texas Chainsaw (2003), and Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (2007). On television, she is recognized for her roles in The Guardian and The Sopranos.
What is Erica Leerhsen’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million, earned through her successful career in film, television, and theatre.
Who are Erica Leerhsen’s parents and siblings?
Her parents are Charles Leerhsen, a former editor at Us Weekly, and Barbara Leerhsen. She grew up with two younger sisters, Nora and Debbie.
