In the evolving landscape of Hollywood, few stars shine as brightly or as authentically as Eric Graise. A performer, advocate, and game-changer, Graise isn’t just building a career — he’s building a legacy. After his widely praised performance in CBS’s hit series Tracker, Graise has become one of the most important voices for diversity and disability inclusion in the entertainment industry. His journey is more than inspiring; it’s reshaping how stories are told and who gets to tell them.
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Eric Graise: An Unstoppable Force in Hollywood
When audiences were introduced to Bobby Exley in Tracker, a data analyst with a sharp mind and deadpan delivery, few expected that the actor behind the role would steal scenes — and hearts — with such effortless charm. Eric Graise’s performance was more than entertaining; it was revolutionary. As a double-leg amputee actor playing a complex, intelligent character whose storyline never centered around disability, Graise showed Hollywood — and the world — what inclusive storytelling really looks like.
But Tracker is only one chapter in Graise’s powerful story. From his early days on stage to his breakout roles on streaming platforms and his passionate advocacy for authentic representation, Eric Graise has built a career grounded in talent, resilience, and truth.
Early Life and the Birth of a Performer
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Eric Graise came into the world with a congenital condition that required the amputation of both legs at an early age. While others might have seen that as a limitation, Graise turned it into a foundation for greatness.
He discovered a love for performance during his youth, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of West Georgia. During college, Graise became a two-time finalist at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival and was the first National Kennedy Center Blanche and Irving Laurie Fellow in Region 4. He acted in several university productions, from Rent to Cabaret, and it quickly became clear: his disability didn’t define him — his talent did.
Breaking into the Industry: Step by Step
After graduation, Graise found his breakthrough in a place that seemed unexpected: the world of dance. He joined Full Radius Dance, a physically integrated professional company in Atlanta. Despite what the world told him about limitations, Graise moved with the grace, power, and artistry of any top-tier dancer. His performances challenged conventional ideas of beauty, form, and physicality.
This experience prepared him for his first major screen role: King in Step Up: High Water. As part of the ensemble cast, Graise showcased not only his acting ability but also his dancing and singing talent. He played a disabled character with confidence and charisma — never asking for sympathy, only recognition. The show, produced by Lionsgate and released on YouTube Premium and later STARZ, earned critical praise, and Graise’s role became a touchstone for authentic representation.
Beyond the Dance Floor: Expanding Screen Presence
Eric Graise’s career took off with a series of compelling roles in both film and television. He played Logan Calloway in Netflix’s hit supernatural series Locke & Key, a character created specifically for him by the show’s producers. He also appeared in shows like Dynasty, Teenage Bounty Hunters, and even landed a part in the action-packed sci-fi film The Tomorrow War alongside Chris Pratt.
But it was Tracker that truly cemented his place in mainstream television. The series, starring Justin Hartley, revolves around a lone-wolf survivalist with a knack for finding people — and Graise’s character, Bobby, serves as a key member of the tech team supporting those missions. Fans quickly responded to Bobby’s sarcastic humor, deep empathy, and cerebral approach. Critics praised Graise for adding emotional depth and authenticity to a role that could’ve been one-dimensional in lesser hands.
A Voice for the Underrepresented
While his acting chops are undeniable, what truly sets Eric Graise apart is his role as an advocate. He’s been vocal about the lack of meaningful representation for disabled individuals in entertainment. Rather than waiting for the industry to catch up, Graise uses every opportunity — red carpets, interviews, and social media — to educate and inspire.
He was invited to speak at the White House for the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and received the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award at the 2024 Media Access Awards. These honors are not just about his achievements, but about the trail he’s blazing for others to follow.
He often emphasizes that representation doesn’t just mean casting a disabled actor — it means telling stories where disability is not the central conflict, but simply part of the character’s identity. As he said in a 2024 interview:
“I don’t want to play the victim. I want to play the hero. The villain. The lover. The scientist. The weirdo. The genius. Just like anybody else.”
Off Screen: Music, Writing, and More
Eric Graise is more than just a screen presence. He’s a multi-hyphenate artist. A classically trained vocalist, he continues to write and perform music. His original songs touch on themes of identity, vulnerability, and resilience. He has also written and produced short films, further flexing his creative muscles and proving that his talents extend far beyond the spotlight.
Through his own production company, Graise aims to develop stories that center queer, disabled, and BIPOC voices — an intersection of identities that is still vastly underrepresented in mainstream media.
Looking to the Future
What’s next for Eric Graise? If Tracker is any indication, it’s clear that the industry is finally waking up to what many of us already knew: Graise is a star. With upcoming roles reportedly in development for both TV and film, and a possible return to the stage, he shows no signs of slowing down.
Moreover, he continues to push for systemic changes in casting, writing, and directing. His dream? A world where a disabled queer Black man on screen doesn’t have to be a statement — just a character in a story.
The Legacy of Eric Graise
Eric Graise’s journey is not just about breaking into Hollywood — it’s about rebuilding it. Through his work on shows like Tracker and his unwavering advocacy, he has created space for people who have long been pushed to the margins.
He is proof that stories can be powerful, inclusive, and entertaining without compromise. In a time when audiences are craving authenticity and change, Eric Graise is not just answering the call — he’s leading the charge.
If Hollywood wants to survive the next decade, it needs more creators like him. And if the past few years are any sign, Eric Graise isn’t just going to participate in the conversation — he’s going to lead it.
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