Justin Pierce

Pierce was born in London, England to a Welsh mother and an American father and was brought up in the Marble Hill and Kingsbridge sections of New York City. Pierce's parents divorced when he was 15.[2]

After his parents' divorce, he began stealing cigarettes and food, and frequently missed 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 possession of marijuana and heroin.[2][3]

Justin Pierce was a member of the original Zoo York skateboard team, and is featured in the Zoo York 'Mixtape' video (1998), magazines and adverts for the company.[4][5] He was also a member of the original Supreme Crew with fellow Zoo York team riders and close friends Harold Hunter and Peter Bici.

In his memory, Supreme have released featured images of his skateboarding (taken by photographer Ari Marcopoulos) in its clothing lines and publications. Promotional footage of Pierce and the Supreme Crew skateboarding has surfaced on the Supreme New York website [6] While skateboarding in Washington Square Park, Pierce was discovered by film director Larry Clark, who cast him in his controversial 1995 film Kids.[2] 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.[2]

He appeared in the 1997 film A Brother's Kiss as the young Lex, played as an adult by Nick Chinlund. Pierce also appeared in television movies, including 1997's First Time Felon. 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, released after his death. The film was dedicated to his memory.

In 1999, Pierce married stylist Gina Rizzo in Las Vegas.[2]

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.[1][7][8] Two suicide notes were reported to be found, which have not been released to the public.[9] The following day, a Catholic memorial service for Pierce was held at St. Patrick's Old Cathedral in Manhattan.[2] He is buried in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla, New York.

• Justin Pierce at IMDb
• Justin Pierce at Find a Grave