An American film, television, and theater actor, part-time university professor, and author, who established his theory of acting and provided actors with concrete techniques for exploring their psychology, as an essential resource for demonstrating their unique talents. He was born to Russian immigrants in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America. He spent years as a Boy Scout, participated in soda commercials, and performed improv comedy in a nightclub. He studied at Sumner School, Austin High School, and Wright Junior College. He graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in theatrical arts. He toured many theaters in the United States, presented more than a hundred plays, and worked in television and cinema. Among his most important works are The Silent Service (1957-1958), Battle Beyond the Stars (1980), Eye for an Eye (1996), and Mathnet (1988). Eric got married to Susanna and they had a daughter. He wrote many books explaining his theory of acting, which he taught at the university.