Ones to Watch: Madam Secretary’s Erich Bergen

There are very few actors that have the luxury to say they’ve worked with the likes of Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman. Native New Yorker Erich Bergen is one of them.

If you’re like presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, you’re a fan of CBS’ Madam Secretary. The political drama, currently in its second season, reels in an average of 10 million viewers every Sunday and has been met with favorable reviews. There’s no denying that Bergen is an audience favorite. His character, Blake Moran, is the yuppie-like right hand man of Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord (Téa Leoni). Although often found in the background sitting at his desk or on the phone with the prince of some foreign country, Blake has delivered some of the series best one-liners. It’s hard not to be completely smitten with the prim yet extremely charming personal assistant. His indubitable loyalty to Elizabeth is admirable, as well as his ability to always be one step ahead. Although the show hasn’t been renewed for its third season yet, fans can expect an announcement soon. The show, created by Barbara Hall and produced by Lori McCreary and Morgan Freeman, is one of CBS’ most acclaimed shows.

So where did Bergen get his start? The 30 year old spent a big chunk of his life on stage as Bob Gaudio in the touring and Las Vegas productions of Jersey Boys. He then reprised his role in the 2014 Clint Eastwood directed film adaption. Although the film wasn’t a box office hit, it opened a couple of doors for the young star. He and the cast were invited to perform at the 2015 State Dinner at the White House. Serenading POTUS and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is a pretty commendable feat if you ask me.

Since then, Bergen has performed at a plethora of venues such as Birdland Jazz Club in New York City and Martinis Above Fourth in San Diego and even sang the national anthem at a Broncos/Steelers game at Heinz Field. A lack of opportunities is not an issue for this performer.

Along with having an impressive résumé (did you know this former Jersey Boy has appeared on Gossip Girl and Desperate Housewives?), Bergen is also an active member of theatre community in Manhattan. He just performed with Broadway Sings, a concert series that celebrates the music of legendary pop icons. The future of Madam Secretary is unknown for now, but there’s no doubt Bergen will have no trouble furthering his acting and singing career.

If you’re presented with the chance to see him live, I highly suggest you take it. You can expect impressive vocals, witty stories and a memorable experience. Bergen is adamant about giving his fans “more than what they came for” and I promise you, he truly delivers.

Current project: Madam Secretary.

Projects we’d like to see him in: get this man on Broadway! Since he immortalized his role as Bob Gaudio in the Jersey Boys film, we’d like to see him in something new. Perhaps a drama? He has his fair share of theatre credits but a couple more wouldn’t hurt.

Where you can see him next: Bergen will be performing at The Smith Center in Las Vegas on April 29th and 30th. Tickets can be purchased here.

Tweet him: @erichbergen.

Photo Credit: David M. Russell/CBS