Today we’d like to introduce you to Pierce Wallace.
Pierce, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am an Actor. I am 24 years old and come from humble beginnings, growing up in a small South Georgia town called Valdosta. I have always known I wanted to become an actor, but more importantly, I KNEW I was an actor around the age of 17. As a young boy, I was blessed to be next door neighbors to an Actor named Sonny Shroyer (Enos from the 1980’s CBS show “The Dukes of Hazzard”). Growing up next to Mr. Sonny inspired me. As I ventured through high school, I started to see that I had a gift with entertaining people. It all hit me in my 11th grade literature class when I was standing in front of the room making everyone smile and laugh. I knew in that singular moment that I was an actor…it was simply my nature. This understanding, combined with my strong affinity for films and characters, propelled me to look deeper into acting and what the craft was all about. I started reading actor’s biographies, studying great cinematic performances. Asking question after question. Seeking any and every piece of knowledge I possibly could on how to pursue acting.
Upon graduating high school, I set sail to the University of Georgia, where the first class I signed up for was Intro to Acting. Around the same time, I crafted a character for the Georgia football games that would take on a mascot-like presence: The Georgia Joker. It combined my passion for Georgia football, with the gritty persona of The Joker. It took off and became a national phenomena. I knew this was another sign that I was destined to become an actor. After college graduation, and through much prayer and meditation, the signs pointed to Los Angeles, California. I knew it was time to hit the road for LA to pursue acting professionally. In June 2018, I packed up everything in my FJ Cruiser AKA “The Bat”, and made the cross-country trek. And here I am…in LA, pursuing acting…with much of my story still to unfold!
Great, 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 am just so grateful to be out here as an actor that it’s hard to imagine anything being a challenge or struggle. However, one of the challenges I have faced on my acting journey thus far was a mysterious health problem before moving to LA. After numerous doctor’s appointments, two MRI’s, weeks of feeling ill, and a major delay in my move, I overcame it. I know deep in my heart that God helped me out for my faith in God is strong. He is a powerful ally. Even though it was challenging, I hesitate to call it a challenge because I know there are people in this world who truly go through extreme challenges. I am full of gratitude all the time and am so grateful to be an actor and to be living life. This obstacle allowed me to see life in a different perspective and feel a profound sense of gratitude toward being an actor in Los Angeles.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I always say, “I am a servant to the craft. The craft does not serve me.” I truly believe in the craft of Acting – it is something that must be molded and chiseled. My goal is to become a great actor. I carefully watch the great actors like Woody Harrelson, Ed Harris, Gene Hackman, and Heath Ledger. I curiously study the work of the great directors like the Coen Brothers, Oren Moverman, Martin Scorsese, and Scott Cooper. I am all about the work and I am all about finding the nuances of characters and nailing their truths.
I am a character actor, specializing in edgy and gritty parts; that is my wheelhouse. I am also known for my range. I can play these gritty roles, but also can play the lovable, sweet, and charming characters with grace. I would say I am an expressionistic actor as well, utilizing my facial expressions and range of voices and various looks. One of my greatest talents as an actor is stepping in and out of characters extremely quickly. I have the ability to flip a switch right away with effortless ease. I also play with my length – I know my 6’5″ frame is a tool and I investigate the right way to employ it in all the characters I play. Ultimately, the thing that I am most proud of is the fact that I can call myself an actor. I am so honored to be an actor, and I just know deep within my heart that I will make it and that I will find work out here in LA. I want to continue meeting directors who are looking to make great pieces of art. I am focused on the art. I am focused on the work. I am focused on making great films that will live on. I am here to apply my skills as actor to help bring stories to life and be a servant to the craft.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe that the keys to life are presence and gratitude. Life honors those who are present and extraordinarily grateful. I am constantly trying to stay in the moment, and I am constantly grateful. Kindness is also a quality I deeply value. Living in kindness towards everyone and everything is more important than how far you go in life. I heard a great saying once: “Focus on your eulogy, not your resume.” I value a kind and grateful presence. When those three are combined, and when you live your true nature, success flows effortlessly.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 2295630112
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pierce_wallace/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pierce.wallace
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMNNc3CPnBM&t=1s
Image Credit:
Andrae Steed, Christian Reyes
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
