Today we’d like to introduce you to Banks Pierce.
Hi Banks, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started creating and posting my own YouTube videos when I was 7 under a fake name. My parents had full veto control over my creations, so I had to run everything by them. In 5th grade, I auditioned and landed the juicy narrator role in my school play! From there, I begged my parents to take acting classes, but they weren’t so sure. I play a lot of sports and they thought acting was a passing phase. So, I kept asking, and through a Broadway friend, my mom found a Boston-based acting coach who agreed to coach me over Zoom.
I learned the basics. Everything from what’s a self-tape to learning some monologues. My mom and I knew nothing, but we learned quickly, and luckily my mom is a tech nerd and could turn around fast auditions.
I started self-submitting and booked a Dr. Squatch commercial. I was the mini spokesperson with a fake beard and wig. Totally fun! Then, I was super lucky to book a lead role on YouTube’s sensational kid’s show, Dhar Mann. We got the call at 8:15 AM, and I had 90 minutes to get to set and learn the full script, which Production sent while we drove to Burbank! I learned so much during those 5 days, and that episode got 8M+ views! I did another six episodes and booked more commercials along the way, which is where I really learned what it takes to be on set.
About a year later, a friend’s mom suggested I try voiceovers. I took a class with Tony Gonzalez, which led to an introduction to my agent, Melissa Berger Brennan, at CESD. She and my manager, Susan Ferris, at Bohemia Group, have known each other for 30+ years and are a fantastic team. During the strike, I did a lot of voiceover work, which is so much fun since I can do it from our home studio and still play travel baseball. I am now a voice for Paw Patrol’s Rubble on Noggin, Paw Patrol toys, and the Calm app, where my favorite bedtime story is “Rubble’s Dream Adventure.”
This past February, I booked the role of CJ for the movie Playdate, starring Alan Ritchson and Kevin James. We had a busy schedule shooting in Vancouver for two months, and I learned so much from my co-stars, the crew, and especially Director Luke Greenfield! The best part was learning how to do stunts and stunt choreography.
I’m working on some exciting animation and podcast projects that haven’t been announced yet.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve been very lucky. My entire family is super supportive, my team always has my back and puts me in front of fantastic casting directors, my teachers pray for me all the time, and my friends keep my feet on the ground. It’s definitely hard being away from home for long periods of time. I’m not sure if that gets easier.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I think I’m a pretty typical kid. I’m curious and love adventures. I play lots of sports and have fun traveling for baseball with my team. My parents, brother and I go to church and I love my weeks spent at summer camp in Yosemite. I don’t watch TV except with my grandma when we binge murder mystery shows.
– Playdate (film), opposite Alan Ritchson and Kevin James, directed by Luke Greenfield:: 2025
– Paw Patrol (animation) voice of Rubble
– Mr. Christman (film), directed by Tom McLaren:: holiday 2024
– Discovering Dad (podcast) by David Kreizman :: June 3, 2024
– Dhar Mann (YouTube series):: 2022 – 2023
– Four Eyes (book) by Rex Ogle:: 2024
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people don’t know that I’m ¼ Taiwanese! My grandma and mom were born and raised in Taiwan.
Contact Info:
- Website: bankspierce.com
- Instagram: @banks.pierce
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558313907504
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bankspierce00
Image Credits
Cathryn Farnsworth
li’l toes photography
