Eric Close was born on May 24, 1967 in Staten Island, New York. He spent time in Indiana and Michigan growing up, before settling in California. He graduated with a degree in communications from the University of Southern California in 1989.

In 1992, Eric joined the cast of Santa Barbara He was the first actor to be hired for a role created by SB headwriter Pam Long, with Kim Zimmer officially signing on for the part of his mother just days later. Eric and Kim had previously worked together on a TV movie called Keeping Secrets.

After SB was axed, Eric made a successful leap to prime time. He is probably best known for playing FBI agent Martin Fitzgerald on Without a Trace. He had roles on several other shows, including McKenna, Sisters, Dark Skies, The Magnificent Seven and Now and Again.

In addition, Eric starred in the miniseries Taken and the telefilm Follow the Stars Home. His feature film credits include Liberty, Maine, The Sky Is Falling, Alvarez & Cruz and American Me.

Eric has been married to his wife, Keri, since 1995. They have two daughters, Katie (b. 1998) and Ella (b. 2001). He is a devout Christian.