From "The Pitt" to the Park: Actor Ernest Harden, Jr. Shares Life Experiences With P-CEP Students

Students at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park had the opportunity to learn from a seasoned actor with more than 50 years of experience on both the big and small screen recently when Ernest Harden, Jr. spoke during a presentation at Canton High School’s DuBois Little Theatre.

Harden, a Detroit native who attended Michigan State University, shared insights from his career and offered advice on the skills students need to succeed in life. His screen credits include appearances on iconic television shows such as The Jeffersons, Good Times, and Hill Street Blues. He has also appeared in several films, including the 1990s classic White Men Can’t Jump. Most recently, Harden portrayed the lovable alcoholic Louie Cloverfield on the HBO Max series The Pitt, alongside Noah Wyle.

During his talk, Harden encouraged students to pursue higher education, emphasizing the value of continued learning. “The more practice you get, the better you will become,” he said. He also delivered a message of resilience, reminding students that there is no single path to success. “Work is the key, no matter what,” he said. “[Success] will come if you work. Nothing is easy.”

Harden highlighted the importance of preparation in both his career and his life. While preparing for his role on The Pitt, he studied homelessness and spoke directly with people facing difficult circumstances. He even helped connect some individuals with resources when they expressed interest in receiving assistance.

The presentation also included a question-and-answer session with students. When asked whether he had faced racism during his career, Harden responded candidly: “You face it everywhere. If there are roadblocks, I try to walk around them.” Despite these challenges, he left students with a message of hope: “If you believe in yourself and a higher power, nothing will stop you.”