Justin Charles Pierce (March 21, 1975 - July 10, 2000) was a British actor and a skateboarder who grew up in the US. He is best known for his roles as Casper in the 1995 film Kids and as Roach in the 2000 film Next Friday. On July 10, 2000, Pierce committed suicide in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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.

After his parents' divorce, he began stealing cigarettes and food and skipping school in favor of skateboarding. Pierce soon quit school and moved out, staying in a "warren of rooms" in a basement of a building on 176th street, that was "teeming" with fellow skaters. Pierce was later arrested for the possession of marijuana and heroin under his pants in a police road search.

Career

While skateboarding in Washington Square Park, Pierce was discovered by film director Larry Clark, who cast him in his controversial 1995 film Kids. 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.

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 film 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. He had two pit bull dogs, Isis and Mr. Jones.

Death

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

Legacy

Filmography

Awards

[ Source: Wikipedia ]