The Untold Story Of Eric Winter's Parents: 5 Surprising Facts About Wayne And Gwen Winter

The family foundation behind Eric Winter's success, particularly his role as Sergeant Tim Bradford on ABC's hit show *The Rookie*, is a story of unique entrepreneurial spirit, deep family bonds, and recent, poignant loss. As of December 2025, the actor remains incredibly close to his mother, Gwen Winter, while regularly honoring the memory of his late father, Wayne Winter, through heartfelt social media tributes, offering a rare glimpse into his personal life.

Eric Winter, alongside his wife, actress and producer Roselyn Sánchez, often discusses the importance of family on their popular podcast, *He Said, Ella Dijo*, confirming that his upbringing in a supportive California household was instrumental in shaping his Type A, perfectionist personality and driving his Hollywood career. The contrasting, yet complementary, careers of his parents provided a stable and unconventional background that few in the entertainment industry share.

Eric Winter: A Quick Look at the Man Behind Sergeant Bradford

• Full Name: Eric Barrett Winter
• Date of Birth: July 17, 1976
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 49
• Birthplace: La Mirada, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Spouse: Roselyn Sánchez (m. 2008)
• Ex-Spouse: Allison Ford (m. 2001; div. 2005)
• Children: Sebella Rose Winter (Daughter), Dylan Gabriel Winter (Son)
• Father: Wayne Winter (Late)
• Mother: Gwen Winter
• Occupation: Actor, Producer, Author (with Roselyn Sánchez), Podcast Host
• Notable Roles: Sergeant Tim Bradford (*The Rookie*), Rex Brady (*Days of Our Lives*), Dashiel Gardiner (*Witches of East End*)

The Dual Careers That Shaped a Star: Wayne and Gwen Winter’s Unique Occupations

Eric Winter’s parents, Wayne and Gwen Winter, were far from the typical Hollywood family. They instilled strong family values and a work ethic, but their professional lives were defined by two distinctly non-showbiz enterprises, which perhaps contributed to Eric's grounded nature.

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Wayne Winter: The Investigative Business Owner

Eric’s late father, Wayne Winter, was a businessman who ran his own investigative business. This career path speaks to a man who valued discretion, detail, and problem-solving—traits that Eric himself has often exhibited, particularly in his on-screen roles that require precision and a methodical approach. The influence of an investigative father may have subconsciously steered Eric toward roles like Sergeant Tim Bradford, a character known for his rigorous adherence to rules and procedure. Wayne Winter provided a stable foundation for Eric's California childhood, and his memory is consistently honored by his son on social media platforms like Instagram.

Gwen Winter: The Theatrical Fabric Entrepreneur

On the other side of the professional spectrum is Eric’s mother, Gwen Winter, who owns and operates a theatrical fabric business. This business provides specialized materials, likely for stage productions, costumes, and sets, placing her directly adjacent to the entertainment industry without being in the spotlight herself. This unique background—a mother who literally provides the backdrop for the arts—offers a fascinating contrast to her husband’s more analytical career. Gwen Winter’s involvement in a creative, yet practical, industry may have nurtured Eric’s early interest in performance while reinforcing the importance of the business side of the arts.

The Poignant Loss and Enduring Legacy of Wayne Winter

One of the most significant and recent pieces of information about Eric Winter's parents is the passing of his father, Wayne Winter. While the exact date is not widely publicized, Eric has referred to him as his "late father" in recent years, indicating this is a permanent and important part of his current family narrative.

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Eric's social media presence, particularly on Instagram, serves as a public testament to his deep bond with his father. He frequently posts throwbacks and loving tributes, giving fans a glimpse into his teen years and the positive influence Wayne had on him. This practice of social media tributes keeps Wayne Winter's memory alive and showcases the strong, supportive household Eric grew up in. The public nature of these posts highlights the actor's desire to share his family values and honor his father's legacy, which is a key component of his topical authority on family life.

Gwen Winter: The Supportive Matriarch and Roselyn’s In-Law

Gwen Winter remains a central figure in Eric’s life and in the extended family with Roselyn Sánchez. The relationship between a celebrity’s spouse and their in-laws is often a topic of curiosity, and in this case, Gwen is the supportive matriarch of the Winter family. Roselyn Sánchez has spoken about the importance of their respective families, and the closeness Eric maintains with his mother is evident.

Gwen, who still runs her theatrical fabric business, now plays the role of a loving grandmother to Eric and Roselyn’s children, Sebella Rose Winter and Dylan Gabriel Winter. Her supportive presence provides a crucial link to Eric's California roots and a grounding influence amidst the chaos of a Hollywood career. Her stability and dedication to her own business demonstrate a powerful example of hard work and commitment, values that Eric often discusses.

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Furthermore, the family dynamic is slightly more complex, as some biographical summaries suggest Eric has an older half-brother named Robert W. Winter. This detail adds another layer to the family structure, though Eric is often cited as an "only child" of Wayne and Gwen's marriage. Regardless, the core family unit of Eric, his mother Gwen, and the memory of his father Wayne remain the primary focus of his personal narrative and public life, providing a constant source of inspiration and stability.