Justin Pierce Biography: Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Ethnicity, Obituary, Wife, Films, Awards

Justin Pierce was an English-American actor and skateboarder best known for his breakout role as “Casper” in the 1995 cult film Kids.

Born on March 21, 1975, in London and raised in New York City, Pierce became a prominent figure in the skateboarding scene before transitioning to acting.

His raw, natural performance in Kids earned him critical acclaim and an Independent Spirit Award.

Profile

• Full Name: Justin Charles Pierce
• Stage Name: Justin Pierce
• Born: March 21, 1975
• Age: Died at age 25 (July 10, 2000)
• Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom
• Nationality: English-American
• Occupation: Actor, Skateboarder
• Height: 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m)
• Parent: Meryl Pierce, James Pierce
• Siblings: Noelle Bowie-Pierce
• Spouse: Gina Rizzo
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $100,000

Early Life and Education

Justin Charles Pierce was born on March 21, 1975, in London, England, United Kingdom, he was 25 years old at the time of his passing away on July 10, 2000. He was born to Meryl Pierce and James Pierce. He had one sibling, a sister named Noelle Bowie-Pierce, who later pursued a career as a police officer.

Justin Pierce was of mixed ethnicity, with White heritage, and was part of the broader Western cultural background. He was raised in a secular environment and did not publicly associate himself with any particular religion.

Regarding education, Pierce attended Manhattan’s Professional Children’s School for a time but struggled with academic life. He eventually dropped out of high school and became more deeply involved with the skateboarding subculture in New York, which opened doors to creative and entertainment opportunities, including his first major acting role.

Career

Justin Pierce’s career began unexpectedly through his deep involvement in New York City’s skateboarding scene. He was a well-known figure among the “Zoo York” skate crew—an underground collective of skaters, artists, and graffiti writers.

His charisma and authenticity caught the attention of director Larry Clark and screenwriter Harmony Korine, who were looking to cast real teenagers from the streets for their provocative independent film Kids (1995).

Pierce was cast as “Casper,” a reckless, hard-living skateboarder and best friend of the film’s lead character. His raw and unscripted performance was widely praised for its realism and energy.

The film became a cultural lightning rod, controversial for its unfiltered portrayal of urban youth, sex, and drug use. Justin’s performance earned him the Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance in 1996, launching him into the spotlight.

Outside of traditional acting, Pierce remained deeply rooted in skateboarding culture. He appeared in various skate videos and continued representing the lifestyle that had first made him known. His blend of street authenticity and natural talent made him a standout figure among ’90s youth culture icons.

Sadly, Justin’s career was cut short after he died by suicide in July 2000. Despite his limited number of roles, his impact—especially through Kids—continues to resonate, and he is remembered as a raw, untapped talent who brought realism and edge to the screen.

Awards and Nominations

• Independent Spirit Award – Best Debut Performance (1996) – Won for Kids

Personal Life

Justin Pierce, the English-American actor and skateboarder best known for his breakout role as “Casper” in the 1995 cult film Kids, was previously married to Gina Rizzo. The couple got married in 1999 and remained together until his untimely death on July 10, 2000.

He passed away at the age of 25 at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. There is no public record of any previous romantic relationships before his marriage to Gina. Justin Pierce stood at a height of 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters).

Filmography

• Kids (1995)
• A Brother’s Kiss (1997)
• Next Friday (2000)
• King of the Jungle (2000)
• Hotel of the Stars (2000)
• Julien Donkey-Boy (1999) – cameo
• Skateboarding videos, including Uno (Zoo York)

Net Worth

Justin Pierce had an estimated net worth of $100,000 at the time of his death. His primary source of income came from his career as an actor, especially through his breakout role in the 1995 film Kids, which brought him widespread recognition. He also earned money from his role in Next Friday and a few other film projects.

In addition to acting, Pierce made income from his involvement in skateboarding, including appearances in skate videos and endorsements linked to the skateboarding community.