Derek Yates is a multitalented actor who has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry through his impressive performances on network television and streaming platforms. His most notable roles include recurring appearances on NBC's Days of Our Lives, as well as notable performances in Hulu's How I Met Your Father, Disney+'s American Born Chinese, and other productions.
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Yates began his acting career in the Southeast, signing with The Jana VanDyke Agency in 2012. This early stage of his career was crucial in building his experience and credits, ultimately leading to his membership in SAG-AFTRA and his subsequent move to Los Angeles in 2016.
In addition to his acting talents, Yates has a strong passion for fitness, photo and video editing, and pickleball, showcasing his diverse range of skills beyond the camera. His performance background stems from his high school choir experience, which later led him into modeling and the entertainment industry. He has also had stage experience, having performed in musicals such as Hairspray and The Sound of Music.
Yates is also dedicated to advocacy and philanthropy, and has co-founded the nonprofit 1N3 with his mother, Tiki Finlayson, in memory of his brother, Kevin Yates, who tragically lost his life to a drunk driver. He is also actively involved with Project Angel Food, volunteering, fundraising, and raising awareness for the nonprofit's mission to feed critically ill individuals in Los Angeles. Most recently, he donated approximately 11 inches of his own hair to Locks of Love and raised funds to cover the cost of the wig after a two-year growing period in memory of his brother, who wanted to donate his hair but was unable due to the crash.
