When actors land a new role, they study the part extensively and immerse themselves into the mindset of whomever or whatever they're playing. When Erik Estrada was cast as Frank Poncherello, a Highway Patrol officer in the show 'CHIPs,' his research gave him a new-found respect for the people who are sworn to serve and protect the public.
Estrada knew what he had to do. He got out of the acting profession, trained to be a police officer, took all the necessary tests and finally got his badge. He's now an officer of the law in St. Anthony in Idaho. It's a long way from Hollywood, but we're sure it still brings Estrada his fair share of drama. The job also comes with a pension, which is the kind of financial security you'll never have working in the creative arts.