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Justin Pierce

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For the member of the Arizona House of Representatives, see Justin Pierce (politician).
Justin (Charles) Pierce
Born
Justin Charles Pierce

(1975-03-21)March 21, 1975
London, England
DiedJuly 10, 2000(2000-07-10) (aged 25)
Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
NationalityBritish
CitizenshipAmerican[citation needed]
Occupation(s)Actor, skateboarder
Years active1995-2000
Known for1995 independent film: Kids
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Spouse
Gina Rizzo
​
(m. 1999⁠–⁠2000)​

Justin Charles Pierce (March 21, 1975 – July 10, 2000) was a British and American[citation needed] actor and skateboarder, known for his role in the 1995 feature film drama Kids.

Early life

Pierce was born in London, England to a Welsh mother and an Australian father, Pierce was brought up in the Marble Hill section of New York City. Pierce's mother and adoptive father divorced when he was 15.[1]

After his parents' divorce, he began acting out by stealing cigarettes and food and skipping school in favor of skateboarding. Pierce soon quit school and moved out, staying in a basement of a building with fellow skaters. Pierce was later arrested for the possession of marijuana and heroin under his pants in a police road search.[1]

Career

While skateboarding in Washington Square Park, Pierce was discovered by film director Larry Clark, who cast him in his controversial 1995 film Kids.[1] After the success of Kids, Pierce won an Independent Spirit Award for his portrayal of Casper, the profane and drug-addicted skateboarder friend of Telly (Leo Fitzpatrick), and relocated to Los Angeles.[1]

He would go on to appear in the 1997 film A Brother's Kiss as the young Nick Chinlund. Pierce also appeared in television movies including 1997's First Time Felon, and the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. He also starred alongside Ice Cube and Mike Epps in the motion picture Next Friday as Roach. Pierce's last on screen appearance was in the 2002 film Looking for Leonard, which was released after his death. The film was dedicated to his memory.

Personal life

In 1999, Pierce married stylist Gina Rizzo in Las Vegas, Nevada.[1]

Death

On July 10, 2000, Pierce was discovered hanging in his room at the Bellagio Hotel by hotel security. His death was determined to be a suicide.[2][3] The following day, a Catholic memorial service for Pierce was held at St. Patrick's Old Cathedral in Manhattan's Little Italy.[1]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1995 Kids Casper
1997 A Brother's Kiss Young Lex
1997 First Time Felon Eddie Television film
1998 Wild Horses Rookie Alternative title: Lunch Time Special
1998 Myth America
1998 Freak Weather Pizza Guy
1998 Zoo York Mix Tape Justin Pierce
1999 Too Pure Leo
1999 Out in Fifty Freddy
1999 Pigeonholed Devon
1999 The Big Tease Skateboard Kid
2000 This Is How the World Ends Zombie Television film
2000 Next Friday Roach
2000 Malcolm in the Middle Justin 2 episodes
2000 King of the Jungle Lil' Mafia
2000 BlackMale Luther Wright Alternative title: Blackmail
2002 Looking for Leonard Chevy Released posthumously

Awards

Year Award Category Title of work Result
1996 Independent Spirit Awards Best Debut Performance Kids Won

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Davis, Peter (October 1, 2000). "Justin Pierce: The Lost Boy". papermag.com. Retrieved February 13, 2013.
  2. ^ "Justin Pierce". Yahoo!. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
  3. ^ "Justin Pierce, 25; Starred in 'Kids'". The New York Times. 2000-07-13.

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