Mary Vivian Pearce is a film star who defies the conventional mold. As a childhood friend of John Waters in Baltimore, she has been a part of every single film he has made, often taking on the lead role or appearing as an extra.
In Waters' films, Pearce has played a diverse range of characters, including the main character Cotton in the cult classic Pink Flamingos, as well as an extra in Serial Mom, where she famously asked Kathleen Turner to sign her book "To a future serial mom."
Pearce's acting career with Waters began in 1964 with a 17-minute short film called Hag In A Black Leather Jacket, in which she played a sultry dancer. Since then, she has appeared in numerous Waters' films, taking on both starring and supporting roles.
In addition to her work in film, Pearce has also made appearances as an extra in the Baltimore-based TV show Homicide: Life on the Street.
Beyond her acting talents, Pearce is also a highly educated individual, holding a college degree in Creative Writing.
Today, Pearce resides in her hometown of Baltimore, where she continues to be a beloved figure in the city's film community.