Darrell Dennis

Darrell Dennis

Personal Details

Spouse
  • Katya Gardner

    ( Mar 30, 2007 to May 11, 2025 )
  • Tamara Podemski

    ( Jun 10, 2001 to Dec 31, 1969 )

Biography

Darrell Dennis, a remarkable Native American individual from the First Nations community, embarked on his illustrious career at the tender age of 17, securing the lead role of Brian Potter on the highly acclaimed CBC drama "Northwood", a milestone that would lay the foundation for a remarkable journey, marked by his effortless transition between various mediums, showcasing his impressive range and versatility as a performer.

Darrell's extensive and eclectic acting career has been characterized by a wide range of productions, including a variety of notable performances in films, such as the critically acclaimed "Leaving Normal", where he had the privilege of sharing the screen with esteemed actresses of great renown, including the talented Meg Tilly and the accomplished Christine Lahti.

In addition to his impressive work in film, Darrell has also made a lasting and memorable impact on television audiences with his recurring appearances in the popular and long-running series "Degrassi", which has further solidified his reputation as a talented and versatile thespian.

Furthermore, his captivating portrayal of Shania Twain's love interest in the documentary-style film "Shania: A life in Eight Albums" showcased his remarkable ability to adapt to different roles and genres, demonstrating his impressive range and depth as an actor.

Notwithstanding the fact that his initial forays into the world of comedy had garnered some attention, it was his exceptional portrayal of Frank Fencepost on the CBC television series "The Rez" that ultimately catapulted his comedy career to unprecedented heights of success.

This remarkable performance not only earned him a prestigious scholarship to further refine his craft at the illustrious "Second City", but it also made him a trailblazer in the industry, as he became the first Native American (First Nations) comedian to be hired as a performer in any of the Second City companies, thereby breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of Indigenous comedians.

Darrell is a multifaceted individual who has achieved remarkable success in various creative fields, showcasing his remarkable range and versatility as a creative force to be reckoned with.

His writing skills have been showcased through his first play, "Trickster of Third Avenue East", which was expertly produced by Native Earth Performing Arts, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.

Furthermore, he has contributed to the talk/variety show "Buffalo Tracks" on APTN, demonstrating his impressive versatility as a writer, writer, and creative problem solver, able to adapt to any situation and thrive in a variety of settings.

Additionally, Darrell has had the opportunity to host the extremely popular APTN program "Bingo and a Movie", a role that has allowed him to showcase his charming personality, quick wit, and ability to think on his feet, making him a natural in front of the camera and a joy to watch.

Through his many accomplishments, Darrell has established himself as a talented and accomplished individual, with a passion for creative expression and a drive to succeed in all that he does.

Darrell's striking and captivating one-man show, "Tales of an Urban Indian", garnered substantial recognition and acclaim by being nominated for two prestigious and highly respected Dora Awards, a testament to the show's exceptional quality and impact.

The feature film adaptation of his original screenplay stood out as one of only 13 international screenplays handpicked for the esteemed Sundance Screenwriters Lab, a remarkable achievement that underscores his remarkable talent for crafting compelling narratives.

Moreover, a television pilot was successfully created and aired on the Aboriginal People's Television Network, a remarkable achievement that showcased Darrell's multifaceted talents as he not only starred in the production but also took on the vital role of producer, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished individual in the entertainment industry.

Darrell had the unique privilege of taking the stage at the esteemed Public Theater in New York City, a revered cultural institution that has been the site of countless renowned performances over the years.

Darrell's professional odyssey began in the year 2005, marking the inception of a remarkable and enduring tenure as the gifted Native voice behind the esteemed CBC Radio series "Spin Off", a program renowned for its exceptional comedic flair and captivating storytelling.

Darrell's professional journey reached a noteworthy apex during this period, as he collaborated on and served as the mastermind behind the groundbreaking CBC radio program "Revision Quest", a remarkable achievement that enjoyed a successful four-season run, earning widespread admiration and numerous prestigious awards, including the esteemed New York Festival Award, a resounding validation of his unwavering commitment and exceptional skill.

As his stand-up comedy career surged forward with unprecedented momentum, Darrell's performances began to capture the attention of a vast and diverse audience, earning widespread recognition and acclaim. He took center stage at some of the most prestigious and highly anticipated events in the comedy world, including the illustrious Winnipeg Comedy Festival and the globally renowned Just For Laughs Festival, thus cementing his status as a dominant force in the world of comedy.

Darrell is a renowned and accomplished individual who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry, currently holding a coveted series regular position on the widely popular and critically acclaimed Teen Nick/YTV television show "Open Heart".

Darrell's impressive career as a stand-up comedian is marked by his unwavering dedication to refining his craft, consistently wowing audiences with his captivating performances.

Beyond his impressive comedy resume, Darrell is also heavily invested in the creative process, actively working on a diverse range of projects.

Two TV series are currently in development, showcasing his ability to adapt to various formats and genres.

Additionally, a TV movie, a feature film, and a web series are all in various stages of production, demonstrating his versatility as a creative force.

Furthermore, Darrell's talents have not gone unnoticed, as he has also been invited to contribute to a U.S. radio program, further solidifying his position as a respected and sought-after comedian.

Career

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2024
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2022
Fall
Fall as Randy
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2021
Mr. Mayor
Mr. Mayor as Oscar
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2016
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2007
Saw IV
Saw IV as Additional Voice Talent (voice)
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2006
Saw III
Saw III as Additional Voice Talent (voice)
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2005
{"id":1218,"title":"Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye","year":2004,"character":"Chico","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/sue-thomas-fbeye","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/7821cohqbcm0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/7821cohqbcm0.jpg"},"released":1}
2004
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1997
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1996
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1992
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2025
Sweet Summer Pow Wow
Sweet Summer Pow Wow as Director, Writer
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2024
The Great Salish Heist
The Great Salish Heist as Director, Writer