Jack of All Arts

Felicia Pearson

Felicia Pearson standing outdoors in a black fur-lined leather jacket with braids, looking directly into the camera with a calm, serious expression. The background is softly lit with warm city lights.
Close-up image of Felicia Pearson with a neutral expression, wearing a black zip-up jacket and white undershirt. Her hair is braided and she is looking slightly past the camera. The background is softly blurred, drawing focus to her face.
Felicia Pearson seated indoors in a casual gray T-shirt and white pants, holding a black cap in one hand. A red rose in a vase is visible in the softly focused background. She gazes forward with a relaxed demeanor.
Felicia Pearson in character as Snoop from The Wire, wearing a black flat-brim hat, black jacket, and gray hoodie. She appears youthful and stoic, with soft lighting and blurred figures in the background.
Felicia Pearson wearing dark sunglasses and a black hoodie with the hood pulled up, holding the edges with both hands. Her expression is cool and self-assured.
Felicia Pearson posing at a red carpet event for Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq. She wears a brown wide-brim hat, camo-collared shirt, and a blue leather jacket, standing against a white backdrop with “Wear Orange” and “Chi-Raq” logos.
Close-up shot of Felicia Pearson indoors, showing detailed facial texture and braids. Her expression is pensive and direct. Soft-focus colored flowers are visible in the background.

Born: May 18, 1980
Pronouns: She/Her
Orientation: Lesbian
Profession: Actress, Author, Rapper, Motivational Speaker

Overview

Felicia Pearson is an American actress, rapper, author, and motivational speaker who rose to fame for her haunting performance as “Snoop” on HBO’s The Wire. Known for her tough demeanor and unapologetic presence, she drew on real-life experience to portray one of the most memorable characters in television crime drama history. Pearson is openly lesbian and has remained a prominent advocate for system-impacted youth, LGBTQ+ visibility, and criminal justice reform.

Early Life and Background

Pearson was born in East Baltimore, Maryland, to two incarcerated parents who struggled with drug addiction. She was born premature, weighing just 3 pounds, and had to be fed with an eyedropper to survive. Raised in foster care, she adopted the surname of her foster family and had minimal contact with her biological parents. Her mother was addicted to crack cocaine, and her father was an armed robber.

She identified as a tomboy early on and became involved in drug dealing during her teens. At age 14, she was convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting of Okia Toomer and sentenced to two consecutive eight-year terms. Pearson served six and a half years at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women. While incarcerated, she earned her GED and experienced a turning point in her life after learning of the death of her friend and protector Arnold “Loney” Loney. He had nicknamed her “Snoop” because she reminded him of the cartoon dog Snoopy.

After her release in 2000, Pearson struggled to find work due to her felony conviction and was fired from a job making car bumpers after just two weeks.

Career

Acting

Pearson’s entry into acting came when she met actor Michael K. Williams at a club. Williams introduced her to the creators of The Wire, who cast her as a version of herself. Her performance as Snoop Pearson was widely acclaimed and remains one of the most chilling depictions of a female enforcer in television history. Stephen King described her as “perhaps the most terrifying female villain to ever appear in a television series.”

Her success on The Wire launched a career in acting, leading to work in film, television, and music videos. She has appeared in multiple independent and mainstream projects, often playing roles that reflect her real-life intensity and experience.

Music

In addition to acting, Pearson has participated in hip hop and rap projects. She appeared in music videos for artists such as Rick Ross, Lil’ Mo, A$AP Ferg, Snoop Dogg, and Tony Yayo. She is featured on the track “It’s a Stick Up” with Tony Yayo and Mazaradi Fox, and the music video includes clips from The Wire.

Reality Television

Pearson joined the cast of Love & Hip Hop: New York for its seventh and eighth seasons, giving fans a glimpse into her personal life and identity as an out lesbian woman navigating the music and entertainment industry.

On March 10, 2011, Pearson was arrested in a drug raid involving over 60 individuals as part of a DEA investigation. At her initial hearing, a judge denied her bail and cited her acting ability as a factor, referencing her appearance on The Wire. She was later released on bail and in August 2011 pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. She received a suspended seven-year sentence with time served and three years of supervised probation.

Pearson is openly lesbian and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, especially for masculine-presenting women. Her identity, experiences, and public platform have made her a symbol of resilience and representation for queer people impacted by systemic violence.

Volunteer Work and Advocacy

Pearson has worked with various organizations and youth programs focused on anti-violence, literacy, and prison reform. She has volunteered as a prison visitor and supported The Stay Strong Foundation. Through public speaking and her memoir, she shares her story to uplift and educate others, especially those facing similar barriers.

Memoir

Grace After Midnight (2007, co-authored with David Ritz)
Pearson’s autobiography recounts her difficult upbringing, incarceration, and rise to fame. The book explores survival, trauma, personal accountability, and the long path toward transformation.

Full Filmography

Television

  • The Wire (2004–2008) – Felicia “Snoop” Pearson, 27 episodes
  • Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (2009) – Herself, episode “Rust Belt”
  • By Any Means (2015) – WIZ, 2 episodes
  • Blue Bloods (2016) – Roxy Barnes, episode “Good Cop Bad Cop”
  • Swagger (2021) – Lil Pip, 2 episodes
  • Love & Hip Hop: New York (2016–2018) – Herself, recurring role, Seasons 7–8

Film

Books

  • Grace After Midnight: A Memoir (2007)
    Co-written with David Ritz
    Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
    Description: Pearson’s memoir details her life growing up in East Baltimore, including her experiences with poverty, incarceration, and her path to fame through acting and music. The book explores themes of redemption, identity, and resilience.

Living Legacy

Felicia Pearson continues to speak out about the intersections of race, class, gender identity, queerness, and incarceration. Her story reflects the power of transformation in the face of adversity, and she remains an influential voice for LGBTQ+ youth, especially those from marginalized communities.

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