Wendell Pierce on Acting, Life Lessons, and Black History

Wendell Pierce currently stars in a production of Othello at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. He has built a remarkable acting career with notable roles in TV series like The Wire and Treme. Recently, he became the first Black actor to play Willy Loman in the Broadway revival of Death of a Salesman, earning a Tony Award nomination.

Insights from Pierce’s Career

Pierce shares a common joke among actors about career stages, humorously listing how public perception shifts over time. He remains committed to his work, driven by the passage of time and a desire for new challenges. Proudly adopting the ‘journeyman actor’ label, Pierce aims to take on varied roles in television, film, and theater each year.

Besides his role in Othello, he plays parts on CBS’ Elsbeth and in the film Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War. He compares acting in Shakespeare to detective work, emphasizing the need to understand the text and connect emotionally with characters. The demands of a Shakespeare play are intellectual, physical, and emotional, according to Pierce.

Understanding Shakespeare Through Jazz

Pierce discovered a connection between jazz and Shakespeare during a performance by saxophonist Arthur Blythe. He realized that improvisation in jazz parallels acting in Shakespeare: disciplined freedom within a structure.

Challenging Stereotypes on The Wire

During The Wire, Pierce faced criticism for perpetuating negative stereotypes about African Americans. He recalls a significant conversation with a young co-star poised to attend Brown University on scholarship. This encounter reinforced the importance of highlighting success stories alongside struggles in media portrayals.

Amid doubts, Pierce continued with the series, moved by its storytelling impact. The show’s fourth season underscored the societal challenges faced by youth in disadvantaged situations, and the potential for positive change.

Personal Reflections on Family and History

Pierce devoted much time to his father’s care in his final years, fulfilling a promise to his late mother. He valued this period, drawing strength and inspiration from his father’s experiences, including his service during World War II and the fight for civil rights.

Pierce also comments on attempts to erase Black history and contributions. He underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of African Americans as a duty to ancestors and future generations.

The interview was produced by Ann Marie Baldonado and Nico Gonzalez Wisler, and adapted for the web by Bridget Bentz, Molly Seavy-Nesper, and Beth Novey.