Wendell Pierce, born December 8, 1962, is a distinguished American actor and businessman known for his powerful performances across stage, film, and television. A classically trained actor who honed his craft at the Juilliard School, Pierce gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Detective Bunk Moreland in HBO’s The Wire (2002–2008), a role that cemented his status as a formidable talent in dramatic storytelling. He continued to impress audiences with his nuanced performance as the jazz trombonist Antoine Batiste in Treme (2010–2013), and as the steady, cerebral James Greer in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (2018–2023). Fans of Suits will also recognize him as Robert Zane, a sharp and principled attorney.

Beyond television, Pierce has delivered powerful film performances in titles such as Malcolm X (1992), Waiting to Exhale (1995), Ray (2004), Selma (2014), The Gift (2015), and Clemency (2019). He earned Independent Spirit Award nominations for his roles in Four (2012) and Burning Cane (2019), the latter of which he also produced, demonstrating his range and commitment to impactful, independent storytelling. His ability to embody both commanding and emotionally layered characters has made him a respected figure in both mainstream and indie cinema.

Pierce’s achievements extend into the theater, where he began his Broadway career in The Boys of Winter (1985) and Serious Money (1988). As a producer, he received a Tony Award nomination for Radio Golf (2007) and won for Clybourne Park (2012). In 2019, he captivated West End audiences as Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman, a role he reprised on Broadway in 2022. His portrayal earned him nominations for both a Laurence Olivier Award and a Tony Award, affirming his mastery of the stage and his enduring legacy as one of the most versatile and respected actors of his generation.