Wendell Pierce Biography: Age, Wife, Movies & TV Shows, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Brothers

Wendell Edward Pierce, commonly known as Wendell Pierce emerges as a commanding American actor and businessman, acclaimed for his incisive character work across stage, film, and television, notably as the streetwise Detective Bunk Moreland in HBO’s The Wire and the resilient trombonist Antoine Batiste in Treme.

Profile

• Full Name: Wendell Edward Pierce
• Stage Name: Wendell Pierce
• Born: December 8, 1963
• Age: 61 years old
• Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor and Businessman
• Height: 5 feet 8 inches
• Parents: Amos Pierce (father) and Cynthia Pierce (mother)
• Siblings: Two brothers
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $8 million USD

Early Life and Education

Wendell Pierce, an accomplished actor and businessman, was born on December 8, 1963, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

The youngest of three sons, he was raised in the historic Pontchartrain Park neighborhood by his father, Amos Pierce, a decorated World War II veteran and maintenance engineer, and his mother, Cynthia Pierce, a dedicated teacher, in a household that emphasized resilience and cultural pride.

He graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts in 1981, earning designation as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts.

Pierce then attended the Juilliard School’s Drama Division from 1981 to 1985, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts as part of Group 14.

His ethnicity is African-American, and his faith aligns with Christianity.

Career

Wendell Pierce debuted on Broadway in The Boys of Winter (1985), followed by off-Broadway acclaim in The Cherry Orchard and Waiting for Godot.

His screen breakthrough arrived as Ben Thomas in Malcolm X (1992), leading to roles in Ray (2004) and Selma (2014).

He gained widespread recognition as Detective Bunk Moreland in The Wire (2002–2008), a role that showcased his command of Baltimore’s underbelly.

Pierce portrayed Antoine Batiste in Treme (2010–2013), drawing on his New Orleans roots, and assumed James Greer in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (2018–2023).

Additional television credits include Robert Zane in Suits (2013–2019) and Clarence Thomas in Confirmation (2016).

As a producer, he contributed to Burning Cane (2019) and Clybourne Park (2012).

His stage revival of Death of a Salesman (2019–2022) across London and Broadway highlighted his dramatic prowess.

Pierce also founded Sterling Farms grocery stores in 2011 to address New Orleans food deserts.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @wendellpcg
• Twitter Handle: @WendellPierce

Personal Life

Wendell Pierce, an accomplished actor and businessman, at 61 years of age, measures 5 feet 8 inches and upholds a steadfast privacy in romantic spheres, remaining single with no children.

He maintains profound ties to his brothers and the enduring legacy of his parents, Amos and Cynthia, often channeling their influence into community initiatives like rebuilding Pontchartrain Park post-Hurricane Katrina.

Filmography

• Malcolm X (1992) – Ben Thomas (Film)
• Waiting to Exhale (1995) – Michael Davenport (Film)
• Get on the Bus (1996) – Wendell (Film)
• The Fighting Temptations (2003) – James (Film)
• Ray (2004) – Juvenile Court Judge (Film)
• Four (2012) – Joe (Film)
• Selma (2014) – Rev. Hosea Williams (Film)
• Burning Cane (2019) – Rev. Tillman (Film, also Producer)
• The Wire (2002–2008) – Det. William “Bunk” Moreland (TV Series)
• Treme (2010–2013) – Antoine Batiste (TV Series)
• Suits (2013–2019) – Robert Zane (TV Series)
• Confirmation (2016) – Clarence Thomas (TV Movie)
• Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (2018–2023) – James Greer (TV Series)
• Death of a Salesman (2019–2022) – Willy Loman (Theater, West End/Broadway)

Net Worth

Wendell Pierce, an accomplished actor and businessman, sustains an estimated net worth of $8 million USD.

This encompasses salaries from television staples like The Wire and Jack Ryan, film engagements in Selma and Ray, stage productions including Death of a Salesman, producing credits on Burning Cane, and entrepreneurial revenues from Sterling Farms, alongside residuals and advocacy-related speaking fees.