From Real-Life Challenges to Screen Success
Eric Graise, who plays Bobby Exley on CBS’s hit series Tracker, has quickly become one of the show’s most beloved characters. As Colter Shaw’s tech-savvy friend and logistical partner, Bobby is the brains behind the operation—often guiding Colter through treacherous situations from behind a screen. But behind the performance is a deeply inspiring personal story that mirrors the resilience and depth Eric brings to the role.
A Groundbreaking Actor and Advocate
Born and raised in Georgia, Graise is a bilateral amputee who has never let his disability define him. He first gained attention in the performing arts world as a dancer and actor with a powerful stage presence. His early performances with Atlanta’s Full Radius Dance company demonstrated not only his raw talent but also his commitment to breaking stereotypes in the entertainment industry.
Before joining Tracker, Graise was best known for his roles in Netflix’s Locke & Key and Step Up: High Water, where he brought complex nuance and energy to every role. He has long been an advocate for greater representation of disabled actors in mainstream film and television.
“I never wanted to be known only for being a disabled actor,” Graise once said. “I wanted to be known for being a great actor. Period.”
Building Bobby Exley: Tech Genius with a Heart
On Tracker, Bobby Exley is much more than a sidekick. He’s Colter’s trusted eyes and ears, and often his moral compass. From hacking into local security systems to tracing phone metadata, Bobby uses his skills to save lives—and crack cases.
Season 2 gave viewers a closer look at Bobby’s backstory. In the episode “Dark Current,” we learned about his time working in underground hacker circles before turning to legal, albeit still grey-area, work. Eric Graise’s performance earned critical praise for balancing humor, vulnerability, and unshakeable loyalty.
Showrunner Elwood Reid has hinted that Season 3 will delve even deeper into Bobby’s past, possibly introducing characters from his former life that challenge his current identity.
Impact Beyond the Screen
Graise’s role in Tracker is part of a larger shift in Hollywood toward authentic disability representation. Rather than casting able-bodied actors in disabled roles, the industry is beginning to embrace performers like Eric who bring truth and lived experience to their work.
Graise is also a speaker and advocate, frequently participating in panels, podcasts, and social media campaigns to amplify disabled voices. His presence in Tracker has inspired a new generation of viewers to see strength, not limitation, in diversity.
Conclusion
As Bobby Exley, Eric Graise is not just solving mysteries—he’s rewriting what visibility and authenticity mean in modern television. With Season 3 of Tracker on the horizon, fans can look forward to seeing even more of Bobby’s tech wizardry, wit, and emotional complexity.
In the world of Tracker, every team member counts. And thanks to Eric Graise, Bobby isn’t just supporting the mission—he’s shaping it.
