Wendell Pierce
Personal details
  • Born:
    • Birthday: 1963-12-08
    • Born Place: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
  • Also Known As:

    웬델 피어스, Wendell Edward Pierce, وندل پیرس

Wendell Pierce

Wendell Edward Pierce (born in New Orleans, Louisiana) is an acclaimed American actor, producer, and entrepreneur known for his versatile, empathetic portrayals across stage and screen. A New Orleans Center for Creative Arts alum and Presidential Scholar in the Arts, he refined his craft at Juilliard (Class of 1985) . Pierce first gained wide acclaim as Detective Bunk Moreland on HBO’s seminal drama The Wire (2002–2008), then earned further praise portraying trombonist Antoine Batiste in Treme (2010–2013) . His notable TV roles also include Robert Zane in Suits, James Greer in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, and Clarence Thomas in the mini-series Confirmation . On stage, Pierce has starred in The Boys of Winter, Serious Money, and The Piano Lesson, producing and earning a Tony for Clybourne Park, and became the first Black actor to portray Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman on Broadway—a performance that garnered both Tony and Olivier nominations. In film, his roles in Malcolm X, Ray, Selma, Four (which he produced, earning an Independent Spirit nomination), Burning Cane, and Clemency further showcase his range. Beyond acting, Pierce is deeply connected to New Orleans—leading post-Katrina rebuilding projects, founding a community development nonprofit, and co-owning the historic WBOK radio station .His acclaimed memoir, The Wind in the Reeds, chronicles his Katrina-era efforts and the power of community and theater.

Person History