Today we’d like to introduce you to Ernest Pierce.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ernest. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Originally from Chicago, IL. Grew up on the inner side of South Chicago. Didn’t have much knowledge or aspirations outside of a 2 miles radius from the Southside of Chicago, but knew my life had greater meaning than what I was able to see beyond my eyes. Where I’m from not many people, make it out to be something greater than their peers and even fewer graduate high school, childless or alive. I didn’t always want to work in entertainment but what I knew was that I wanted something more.
I graduated High School in 1999. Throughout high school, I went from a very shy person to one of the most popular kids in school. Primarily because of the extra-curricular programs and support I had when I was in school. I ended up graduating with more college acceptance letters than anyone else and more scholarships than my peers from Harper High School. I wasn’t the smartest but I was one of the most ambitious young men from my graduating class.
I worked three jobs to support myself through college. In-between that time I was traveling back and forth to Chicago from Champaign-Urbana for model calls-go sees and doing whatever I can to promote myself as an entertainer. I started doing print and commercial print work as a model from 1999 to 2006. I graduated college in 2003. Attended Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and relocated to LA in 2008.
Since 2008 to now it has been a constant journey to work in film/tv and each year has proven to be pinnacle part of my journey as an artist/entertainer/performer. Currently with over 60 film/tv credits to date, a member of the Academy and constantly working and auditioning to further my career I find myself working 60-70 hours a week at times but it all worth it to see my dream surpass to be able to show others like me that anything is possible.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Life has shown its man colors and proven to be quite a journey. Nothing is easy from I am front but you can either be the victim or use your experience to being the driving force to being something great. I’ve been on my own since 16. Working since I was 14. Helping to raise my little brother since 17. Worked three jobs to put myself through college. I now have a Brokers Real Estate License in Illinois and a Salesperson’s License here in Los Angeles. Self Employed. I have a Bachelors of Science Degree and an Associates of Arts Degree. Produced, Starred and Achieved many personal goals in film and television. Currently over 60+ film and tv projects and auditioning every week for my next role and journey.
I come from a family that wasn’t quite together but I had a village of friends that helped me along my way. At times I was without a place to stay. No jobs, no food, it was quite hard but I took it as a learning lesson to work harder and do better than what I was given.
It’s hard to stay positive sometimes because I am constantly go, go, go and feel like if I slow down, I might miss something but I am very optimistic and self-motivating.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Ernest Pierce – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I achieved a few roles that were significant in my film career. Series Regular for Logo/Netflix show DTLA. Series Regular role for Amazon Prime TV Cheetah in August. Guest Star role on Dance Flick with the Wayans Brothers. Role on Adult Swim’s Decker with Tim Heidecker. Landed over 12 national fashion/commercial and production print model advertisement. Trained over 500 models/actors in my career span.
Started my own consulting company with Real Estate/Property Management and Leasing. Working with investors and homeowners going on now for more than 2.5 years.
I am proud that I can dictate my career by my work ethic. I am focused and driven and finally have a great team that believes in me and where I want to take my career. I want to continue working in entertainment to ideally be able to fully support myself through my craft, have a family and give back to less fortunate individuals from inner-city areas to help support their dreams.
I am no different than anyone else, just my experience and journey has been different to allow me to share my perspective to others who may see things a different way.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Keeping myself in class. Continue to be a driven and knowledgeable actor. Ideally, work with some fantastic directors and producers to obtain some substantial career roles in the industry. I am not going anywhere so I want it all! 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.citizenskull.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @ernestpierce
- Facebook: @actorernestpierce
- Twitter: @ernestpierce
Image Credit:
Rene Arevalo/Photographer, Candice Vernon/Sheworks Media, Danny Foxx/Cinematographer
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