By: Chris Gilson, cgilson@cbs4qc.com
One Moline native is on the path to stardom.
His dream to act on the national stage has become reality and it started on CBS4.
26 year old Erik Steffens, started his acting career on a small stage at Moline High School
But, his parents said his goal was to make it to Hollywood and act in film.
And Erik got his first big break on CBS' Criminal Minds.
"It's a shot in the arm that you just dream for," Roxanne Steffens.
Erik's mom Roxanne Steffens said he moved to Hollywood in 2008. Since then he's been an extra in shows like Monk and the Social Network.
But, it took four years for him to get his speaking role in this week's Criminal Minds.
"In the timeline of things to look you have about five years to get a part like this at least that's what the industry says," she said.
A brig break for a small town kid.
"It's just a lot of determination dedication. Once you get a role like this and you're seen by others the catalyst start and the snowball effects starts," she said.
But, when she got the news about his big role in Criminal Minds, it was exciting for the Steffens in more ways than one.
"Criminal Minds is our favorite show so to have our son our favorite show is like is just totally awesome," she said.
So while the Steffan's love Criminal Minds, no episode will be as memorable as this one.
"He's fulfilled his dream he's out there he's working very, very hard and he's on his show," she said.
Erik's mom said his ultimate goal is to become a well known-actor in Hollywood and hopes this is only the beginning.
