Derek, a London native, was besotted with the captivating realm of film and television from a tender age, his fascination with the silver screen and small screen igniting a passion that would only continue to grow and flourish as the years went by.
He would frequently regale his friends and family with impressive, uncanny impersonations of the most celebrated actors of his time, his remarkable talent and charisma on full display as he effortlessly brought these iconic figures to life with his remarkable vocal range and impressive acting abilities.
As Derek transitioned into his teenage years, he embarked upon a journey of self-discovery, delving deeper into the world of performing arts by attending a prestigious local theatre school. This formative experience allowed him to hone his craft, cultivate his passion, and lay the foundation for a future career in the spotlight.
It was during this pivotal period that Derek's path crossed with the esteemed Sir Nigel Hawthorne, a renowned stage and screen actor who happened to reside in the same vicinity. Not only did Sir Nigel share a neighborly connection with Derek, but he also became a mentor and friend, recognizing the young individual's immense potential.
Sir Nigel, with his wealth of experience and wisdom, offered Derek guidance and sponsorship, which enabled him to join the esteemed British Actor's Equity. This significant turning point in his life marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career in the performing arts, one that would be shaped by the invaluable lessons and support provided by Sir Nigel Hawthorne.
Derek's entry into the realm of professional filmmaking commenced in the year 1976, with a significant and memorable appearance in the groundbreaking and culturally impactful motion picture, "A New Hope," a pivotal installment within the esteemed "Star Wars" franchise.
Derek's illustrious career has been marked by an extensive array of prominent film roles, with credits including the iconic science fiction epic "Flash Gordon," the fantasy adventure "Krull," the James Bond classic "The Living Daylights," and the beloved action-packed "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade", among numerous other notable cinematic endeavors.
In addition to his film work, Derek has also made significant contributions to the world of television, with one notable example being his recurring role as PC Craig Lovell on the popular British police drama "The Bill", a position he held from 1987 to 1991.
Derek has had the extraordinary privilege of collaborating with an impressive array of exceptionally skilled and renowned actors throughout his illustrious career, boasting an impressive roster of industry legends, including the iconic Robert Mitchum, the incomparable Julie Andrews, the multifaceted Jack Nicholson, the esteemed Sir Anthony Hopkins, the legendary Sir Laurence Olivier, the versatile John Rhys-Davies, and most recently, the talented Alec Baldwin.
In addition to his professional associations with these luminaries, Derek was also fortunate enough to have maintained a close and personal friendship with the late, great Marvin Gaye, who was in the process of recording his final album for Motown, the poignant and powerful "In Our Lifetime," in London at the time of his untimely passing.
