Chris Lorenzo on the crime drama series Silk Stalkings, and as Kyle McBride on the primetime soap opera Melrose Place.

He later gained widespread recognition for his role as Sergeant Chris Lorenzo in Silk Stalkings (1991–1995), half of the "dynamic duo" alongside Mitzi Kapture.

In 1993, Estes had a guest role on the prime time Fox soap opera Melrose Place, playing Sam Towler.

Following Melrose Place, he had guest starring roles on Providence, Suddenly Susan, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Gilmore Girls.

Estes then portrayed Lieutenant Tom Hogan, Inspector Lindsay Boxer's ex-husband and current boss in the ABC police procedural and legal drama Women's Murder Club.