Stephen Collins, born on October 1, 1947, is a former American actor renowned for his diverse roles across film, television, and stage. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Eric Camden on the WB/CW series 7th Heaven, which aired from 1996 to 2007. This role solidified his status in the entertainment industry and endeared him to audiences.
Before his iconic role in 7th Heaven, Collins showcased his talent in various productions. He played Commander Willard Decker in the 1979 film Star Trek: The Motion Picture, a performance that remains memorable among science fiction fans. Additionally, he starred as pilot Jake Cutter in the ABC series Tales of the Gold Monkey, further establishing his versatility as an actor.
In the years following 7th Heaven, Collins continued to take on significant roles, including Dayton King in the ABC series No Ordinary Family and Gene Porter in NBC's Revolution, where he portrayed the father of Elizabeth Mitchell's character, Rachel Matheson. His career, however, faced a dramatic turn in 2014 when he confessed to sexual abuse against multiple minors, leading to his withdrawal from the public eye.