Derrel Maury is a highly accomplished and seasoned acting coach and director, boasting an impressive tenure of over 25 years in the industry. Throughout his illustrious career, he has had the privilege of teaching at some of the most prestigious institutions, including the renowned Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute.
Derrel's extensive professional experience has been marked by his leadership of theatre programs at multiple esteemed educational institutions. Notably, he has served as the director of theatre programs at the Sanai Akiba Academy, VBS Day School, and Heschel Middle School. In addition to his work in academia, Derrel has also founded and continues to run Derrel Maury's Young Actor's Workshop, a renowned organization that has garnered national attention, including a special report on CNN, for its innovative approach to teaching acting skills to young individuals.
Derrel's illustrious acting career commenced at a remarkably tender age, with his initial foray into the world of entertainment being "crawl-on's" when he joined the esteemed Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG/AFTRA) in the year 1967. Subsequently, he made a significant impact in the realm of television, appearing in a plethora of shows and films, including series regular roles in the iconic Norman Lear production "Apple Pie", Gary Marshall's beloved sitcom "Joanie Loves Chachi", and James Komack's classic comedy series "Archie". Furthermore, Derrel's impressive repertoire includes a starring role in the 1976 cult classic film "Massacre at Central High", a testament to his enduring talent and versatility as a thespian.
Derrel's impressive repertoire extends far beyond his notable television and cinematic endeavors, as he has also made notable appearances in the TV film/pilot "I Met a Producer and Moved to L.A.", the cable show "Cook Her Pants Off", and a selection of films, including "The Tramp" and "Wasteland".
Furthermore, Derrel's outstanding performance in the short film "Wither" earned him the prestigious Best Actor honor at the New York Short Film Festival in 2007, a testament to his remarkable acting abilities.
Derrel's life began in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, where his family's deep roots in the theatrical world would ultimately shape his early years and spark a lifelong passion for the performing arts. His father, a distinguished professor of theatre arts at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA),instilled in Derrel a profound appreciation for the craft, while his mother, a talented stage actress, showcased her own remarkable abilities, inspiring Derrel to follow in her footsteps.
Derrel's introduction to the world of acting began at the tender age of 10, when he landed the esteemed role of The Artful Dodger in the classic production of "Oliver". This early exposure to the stage only further fueled his desire to perform, and by the time he was 12, Derrel had already made his mark in the industry, starring alongside the accomplished John Rubinstein in the acclaimed production of "A Thousand Clowns".
As he continued to hone his craft, Derrel took on increasingly complex and mature roles, including appearances in productions such as "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", "Damn Yankees", and "The Cain Mutiny". These experiences not only allowed him to refine his skills but also introduced him to a wide range of characters, allowing him to explore the vast possibilities of the human experience through his performances.
