Wendell Pierce is a proud journeyman actor : Fresh Air : NPR

Wendell Pierce stars in “Othello.”

Teresa Castracane/Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C.

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Teresa Castracane/Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C.

Wendell Pierce is working as hard as ever. He says he’s motivated by the “ticking clock of mortality” — and the desire to challenge himself as an actor. He’s currently starring in the Shakespeare Theatre Company production of “Othello.” He spoke with Tonya Mosley about aiming for a trifecta of TV, film and theater roles, why he almost left ‘The Wire,’ and caring for his late father.