Darrell Dennis, a multi-talented Native American (First Nations) actor, writer, and comedian, embarked on his professional journey at the tender age of 17. He landed the lead role of Brian Potter in the hit CBC drama "Northwood", marking the beginning of a successful and diverse career.
As an actor, Darrell has appeared in various productions, including classic theater plays such as Shaw's "Arms and the Man", Strindberg's "Miss Julie", and Pinter's "Deceived". He has also appeared in film and television roles, including "Leaving Normal" opposite Meg Tilly and Christine Lahti, and the hit TV series "Degrassi". Furthermore, Darrell played the role of Shania Twain's lover in "Shania: A Life in Eight Albums".
Darrell's comedy career took off when he won the lead role of Frank Fencepost in the CBC television series "The Rez". He was subsequently awarded a scholarship to train at the renowned "Second City" and became the first Native American (First Nations) comedian to be hired as a performer in any of the Second City companies. Darrell co-founded the all-Native comedy troupe "Tonto's Nephews" and the L.A. based all-Native American comedy troupe "The Mayflower Welcoming Committee".
In addition to his acting and comedy endeavors, Darrell is a successful writer. His first play, "Trickster of Third Avenue East", was produced by Native Earth Performing Arts, which named Darrell their "Writer-in-Residence" twice. He joined the writing team of the talk/variety show "Buffalo Tracks" on APTN and went on to host the APTN smash hit "Bingo and a Movie". Darrell also wrote a half-hour television pilot called "Moccasin Flats", which was an official selection at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival and was picked up by Showcase Television and APTN for three seasons.
Darrell's one-man show "Tales of an Urban Indian" was nominated for two Dora Awards (Best Original Play and Best Performance by an actor) and his feature film adaptation of "Tales" was one of 13 international screenplays to be accepted in the prestigious Sundance Screenwriters Lab. A television pilot based on "Tales" was produced and broadcast on the Aboriginal People's Television Network, which Darrell also produced. Darrell recently gave a special performance of "Tales" at the legendary Public Theater in New York City.
In 2005, Darrell became the comedic Native voice on the CBC Radio series "Spin Off" and the CBC television special "The American Empire". He then co-wrote and hosted the groundbreaking CBC radio program "Revision Quest", which ran for four seasons and won numerous awards, including the prestigious New York Festival Award. During this time, Darrell's stand-up career flourished, and he performed in televised galas at the "Winnipeg Comedy Festival" and the world-famous "Just For Laughs Festival".
Presently, Darrell is a series regular on the Teen Nick/YTV show "Open Heart". His book "Peace Pipe Dreams: The Truth About Lies About Indians" from Douglas & Macintyre Publishing is available in bookstores and online. Darrell continues to perform stand-up comedy and is developing two TV series, a TV movie, a feature film, a web series, and a U.S. radio program.
