photo by steed media service

Felicia “Snoop” Pearson is one of “The Wire’s” most compelling charachters. Felicia “Snoop” Pearson is also one of the most compelling actors on HBO’s critically acclaimed drama. As can be imagined, Pearson the person is the direct inspiration for Pearson the character, right down to the hardened Baltimore pedigree. Pearson grew up on the same rough streets where each episode is shot, and she’s a product of those streets. At age 14, she was sentenced to eight years in prison for second-degree murder. It was there that she decided to turn her life around.

Upon her release, Pearson met actor Michael K. Williams, who portrayed the notorious Omar on HBO’s gritty drama. Snoop was brought to the set and introduced to the writers — who subsequently offered her a tailor-made role. “It was a blessing,” Pearson says—still in disbelief. “I just thank them for even extending my character. It could’ve just been on season three and that’s it. [But] they gave me three, four and five. They had a lot of faith in me and it came out wonderful.”

Pearson recently published her autobiography, Grace Before Midnight, which she hopes will serve as an inspiration to the show’s fans who are still living the reality that “The Wire” depicts. “[I wanted] to just motivate kids, man,” she explains. “Adults, need it too — just to let them know that when [they] feel like they’re down and out, [they can] just keep on striving. It’ll get better, there’s always a light at the end of that tunnel. Don’t ever give up hope.” –todd williams

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