Background
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 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.
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. 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.
While skateboarding in Washington Square Park, Pierce was discovered by film director Larry Clark, who cast him in his controversial 1995 film Kids. 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. 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 Saint Patrick"s Old Cathedral in Manhattan"s Little Italy.