Edward Erich Anderson (October 24, 1956 – June 1, 2024) was an American actor and novelist. He starred in film and on television, and was best known for his role in the 1984 horror film Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter as Rob Dier. He also starred in the 1988 film Bat*21 and in the 2002 drama film Unfaithful.
Edward Erich Anderson was born on October 24, 1956, to an American family in Sagamihara, Japan.[1][2] He grew up in a military family, and moved frequently throughout his childhood.[1] He attended Hilltop High School in Chula Vista, California, and went on to study biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara.[1][3] He initially aspired to attend medical school, but eventually decided to pursue acting.[1]
Among Anderson's early roles was a role on Bay City Blues in 1983.[1][3] During this time, he was cast in Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter.[1]
Anderson appeared on over 300 television episodes through his career.[1] Noted television appearances included the series Second Chances as Bruce Christianson, thirtysomething as Billy Sidel, and Felicity as Felicity's father. He also guest starred on Melrose Place as Courtney Thorne-Smith's psychiatrist.[1] Anderson acted on episodes of Murder, She Wrote, CSI, CSI: Miami, Star Trek: The Next Generation in the Season 5 episode "Conundrum" as Commander Kieran MacDuff, and Boomtown as D.A. Ben Fisher. He also appeared in Season 3 Episode 19 of US drama House. He also had a memorable turn as Evan, the lead character in The Outer Limits Season 2 Episode 16 "The Deprogrammers" which co-starred Brent Spiner.
Anderson also published three novels between 2012 and 2022.[1]
Anderson was married to actress Saxon Trainor. He died from esophageal cancer at his home in Los Angeles, on June 1, 2024, at the age of 67.[1][3]