‘The Wire’ Legend Returns to NOLA for ‘They Fight’ Premiere
Wendell Pierce Comes Home: A Night of Honor, Memories, and a Powerful Film
Hey there! Imagine getting a giant golden key to your hometown, watching a movie you starred in, and thinking about the people who helped make you you—all in one night. That’s exactly what happened to actor Wendell Pierce in New Orleans. Let’s break it down like you’re five (or just new to the story!).
Who Is Wendell Pierce?
- Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana (specifically the Pontchartrain Park neighborhood).
- Famous actor known for TV shows like The Wire (filmed in Baltimore) and Treme, plus tons of movies and stage plays.
- Proud New Orleanian—he says the city is "family" to him and he carries it everywhere he goes.
The Big Night: Premiere of "They Fight"
What Happened?
- Free screening at the historic Orpheum Theater.
- Hosted by the New Orleans Film Society and Andscape (a media company).
- Mayor Helena Moreno gave Pierce a Key to the City—the highest honor a mayor can give.
What the Mayor Said
"You are someone who everyday carries the city of New Orleans with you. You deserve the highest honor I can give as mayor."
Pierce’s Reaction
- Applause and cheers filled the room.
- Pierce: "I will cherish this because nothing counts so much as family and New Orleans is family to me."
The Movie: "They Fight" – What’s It About?
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Pierce’s Role | Plays Slim, a mentor/coach figure |
| Story | Young boxers + adults guiding them through challenges in and out of the ring |
| Setting | Washington, D.C. area |
| Themes | Redemption, love, finding your place, self-determination (making your own choices) |
| Director/Co-writer | Sheldon Candis (with Andrew Renzi) |
| Co-stars | André Holland, Samira Wiley |
Pierce’s Take: "I don’t want people to dream. I want people to have vision. When you’re dreaming you’re sleeping, but when you have vision, you’re awake and focused."
The Real-Life Heroes Behind the Role
Pierce didn’t just act—he channeled real men who shaped him.
1. Coach Mac (McBurnett James Knox Jr.)
- Coached Pierce in little league football and basketball.
- Grew up together in Pontchartrain Park.
- Taught kids discipline, teamwork, and belief in themselves.
2. Jerome "Big Duck" Smith
- Civil rights icon and lifelong mentor to generations of New Orleans youth.
- Died Friday—the day before the premiere.
- Pierce honored him on stage, saying:
"He’s an example of men who dedicated their lives to making sure that young men in their community were given the best start that they could."
IMPORTANT POINT
Coach Mac and Mr. Smith represent the "community pillars" at the heart of the film.
Pierce says: "Those are the men that gave us the impetus to exercise our right of self-determination. And that’s what this film is all about."
Translation: They taught kids they have the power to choose their own path—and the movie is about passing that power on.
Two Cities, One Heart: New Orleans & Baltimore
Pierce spent years filming The Wire in Baltimore. He sees a deep connection:
- Both are port cities (water = trade, culture, mixing of people).
- Both have strong, distinct cultures and tight-knit communities.
- Both shaped who he is as an artist and a man.
"I’m from New Orleans so it’s always gonna be a part of me. Whatever I do I bring a little New Orleans with me no matter what."
Why Bring the Premiere Home?
Pierce asked for it. He wanted his hometown to see the film first.
"I’m very honored and I asked them to do a New Orleans premiere… I’m happy to be home."
The Bigger Picture: Art as a Mirror
Pierce believes movies aren’t just entertainment—they’re tools for reflection.
"Our work as artists is for the community as a whole to reflect on who they are, decide what their values are, and hopefully go out and act on those values. That’s hopefully the legacy I leave."
Summary: What You Need to Remember
- Wendell Pierce = New Orleans native, acclaimed actor, proud son of the city.
- Premiere of "They Fight" = Free screening at Orpheum Theater, hosted by NO Film Society & Andscape.
- Key to the City = Highest honor from Mayor Moreno; Pierce called it "family."
- The Film = Boxing drama about mentorship, redemption, self-determination.
- Real-Life Inspiration = Coach Mac (childhood coach) + Jerome "Big Duck" Smith (civil rights legend, died day before).
- Core Message = Community elders give kids the power to choose their own future.
- Pierce’s Philosophy = Art should make people think about their values—and act on them.
FAQ: Your Questions, Answered
1. What is a "Key to the City"?
It’s a symbolic honor—like a giant decorative key—given by a mayor to someone who’s done something amazing for the community. It doesn’t unlock any real doors, but it means a lot.
2. Who was Jerome "Big Duck" Smith?
A legendary civil rights activist in New Orleans who spent decades mentoring young people. He passed away the day before the premiere, and Pierce honored him on stage.
3. Is "They Fight" set in New Orleans?
No—it’s set in the Washington, D.C. area. But Pierce says its themes (love, redemption, finding yourself) are universal.
4. What does "self-determination" mean?
It’s the power to make your own choices and control your own life. Pierce says Coach Mac and Mr. Smith taught him and others that they could choose their path.
5. Why does Pierce compare New Orleans and Baltimore?
Both are historic port cities with strong cultures, deep communities, and unique identities. He lived in both and says they shaped him in similar ways.
Final Thought:
This wasn’t just a movie premiere. It was a homecoming, a thank-you, and a promise—to keep telling stories that remind people of their power, their community, and their values.And that’s a story worth watching.