Roach was a memorable character in the 2000 comedy film Next Friday, the sequel to the 1995 hit Friday. He was played by Justin Pierce, a British-born American actor and skateboarder who had a promising career ahead of him. But sadly, Pierce took his own life on July 10, 2000, just six months after the release of Next Friday. He was only 25 years old. What led him to this tragic decision? What was his life like before and after his breakthrough role? And how did his death affect his co-stars and fans? In this article, we will explore the facts and stories behind roach next friday cause of death.
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Roach: The Lovable Stoner
Roach was one of the new characters introduced in Next Friday, along with Day-Day (Mike Epps), Pinky (Clifton Powell), and Baby D (Tamala Jones). He was a white stoner who lived next door to Day-Day and Craig (Ice Cube) in Rancho Cucamonga. He was friendly and loyal to Craig and Day-Day, helping them out with various schemes and troubles. He also had a crush on Karla (Lisa Rodríguez), Craig’s love interest.
Roach was known for his hilarious antics and lines, such as “I’m not a Mexican, I’m a white boy”, “I’m allergic to dogs”, and “I got mind control over Deebo”. He also had a memorable scene where he smoked weed with Pinky in his record store, causing him to hallucinate and freak out. Roach was a fan favorite character who added a lot of humor and charm to the film.
Justin Pierce: The Skater Turned Actor
Justin Pierce was born in London, England, on March 21, 1975, to a Welsh mother and an Australian father. He moved to New York City with his mother when he was five years old, and grew up in the Bronx. He developed a passion for skateboarding at an early age, and became a member of the original Zoo York skateboard team. He also hung out with the Supreme Crew, a group of skaters and friends who frequented the Supreme store in Manhattan.
Pierce was discovered by film director Larry Clark while skateboarding in Washington Square Park. Clark cast him as Casper, the profane and drug-addicted skateboarder friend of Telly (Leo Fitzpatrick), in his controversial 1995 film Kids. The film was a realistic and raw portrayal of the lives of urban teenagers in New York City, dealing with issues such as sex, drugs, violence, and AIDS. The film received critical acclaim and controversy, and launched the careers of many young actors, including Pierce.
Pierce won an Independent Spirit Award for his portrayal of Casper, and moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. He appeared in several films and TV movies, such as A Brother’s Kiss (1997), First Time Felon (1997), Out in Fifty (1999), Pigeonholed (1999), and Malcolm in the Middle (2000). His most notable role after Kids was Roach in Next Friday, which showcased his comedic talent and charisma.
Pierce also continued to skate and appear in magazines and videos for Zoo York. He was featured in the Zoo York Mixtape video (1998), which combined skateboarding footage with hip-hop music and culture. He also appeared in promotional footage for Supreme, which has since released clothing lines and publications featuring his image.
The Dark Side of Fame
Despite his success and popularity, Pierce struggled with depression and drug addiction for years. He had a troubled childhood, marked by poverty, abuse, neglect, and crime. He never knew his real father, who abandoned him and his mother when he was a baby. He began stealing cigarettes and food at a young age, and frequently missed school in favor of skateboarding. He soon dropped out of school and moved out of his mother’s apartment, staying in a basement with other skaters. He was arrested several times for possession of marijuana and heroin.
Pierce also had difficulty coping with fame and the pressures of Hollywood. He felt alienated from his old friends and the skateboarding community, who saw him as a sellout or a traitor. He also felt exploited by the film industry, which used him for his street credibility but did not offer him meaningful roles or opportunities. He became disillusioned with acting and wanted to return to skateboarding.
Pierce also had problems with his personal life. He married stylist Gina Rizzo in Las Vegas in July 1999, but their relationship was rocky and unstable. They separated several times, and Pierce reportedly cheated on her with other women. Pierce also attempted suicide several times before finally succeeding.
The Final Days
On July 10, 2000, Pierce was found hanging in his room at the Bellagio Hotel in Paradise, Nevada, by hotel security. He had checked in the day before, using a fake name and paying cash. He left two suicide notes, one for his wife and one for his mother, which have not been made public. The Clark County Coroner confirmed the cause of death as suicide by hanging.
Pierce’s death shocked and saddened his family, friends, co-stars, and fans. His funeral was held on July 15 at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in Manhattan, where hundreds of people attended to pay their respects. He was buried in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla, New York.
Pierce’s death also sparked a debate about the impact of Kids on the lives of its young actors. Some critics argued that the film exploited and corrupted them, exposing them to fame and drugs at a vulnerable age. Others defended the film as a realistic and artistic expression of youth culture, and praised Pierce for his talent and authenticity.
The Legacy of Roach
Roach from Next Friday remains one of the most beloved characters in the Friday franchise, and one of the most memorable roles of Pierce’s career. His performance was praised by critics and audiences alike, who appreciated his humor and charisma. He also had a great chemistry with Ice Cube and Mike Epps, who played his friends and partners in crime.
Roach’s popularity has endured over the years, as Next Friday has become a cult classic and a staple of urban comedy. Roach’s scenes and quotes are often referenced and quoted by fans and celebrities, such as Snoop Dogg, Kevin Hart, and Lil Wayne. Roach has also inspired many memes and parodies on social media and YouTube.
Roach’s legacy is also evident in the skateboarding community, where Pierce is revered as one of the pioneers and legends of the sport. His style and skills influenced many skaters, especially those from New York City. His image and footage are still featured in skateboarding magazines, videos, and websites. He is also honored by Zoo York and Supreme, who have released tribute products and content for him.
Roach from Next Friday was more than just a character. He was a reflection of Justin Pierce’s personality and spirit: funny, friendly, loyal, adventurous, rebellious, and authentic. He was a character that made people laugh and smile, even when he faced challenges and dangers. He was a character that people could relate to and admire.
Roach from Next Friday was also a reminder of Justin Pierce’s life and death: tragic, shocking, sad, and mysterious. He was a life that was cut short too soon, leaving behind many questions and regrets. He was a death that could have been prevented or avoided, if only he had received more help and support.
Roach from Next Friday is a character that will never be forgotten. He is a character that lives on in the hearts and minds of his fans. He is a character that deserves to be remembered and celebrated.
