Derrick Todd Lewis is a multifaceted individual, whose creative essence is deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of his parents, who were both prominent figures in the entertainment industry. His mother, Valerie (Scott) Lewis, was the lead singer for the Rhythm and Blues group "The Pretenders" during the late 1960s, a remarkable achievement that showcased her exceptional vocal talents. In contrast, his father, the late Billy Lewis, was a dedicated member of "The Drifters" from 1975 until the late 1980s, contributing his unique vocal style to the group's iconic sound.
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Newark, New Jersey, Derrick has six siblings, growing up in an artistic environment that nurtured his creative inclinations. This upbringing allowed him to develop a keen sense of self-expression, which has been instrumental in shaping his multifaceted personality.
Derrick's profound fascination with the art of acting commenced at the remarkably youthful age of four, when he was utterly captivated by the cinematic masterpiece "Mommie Dearest", featuring the illustrious Faye Dunaway in a tour-de-force performance. This early and intense infatuation with the world of acting subsequently propelled him to take part in his first school production at the tender age of six, where he had the distinction of portraying the character of Bashful in the beloved classic "Snow White". Following this inaugural foray into the world of theatre, Derrick consistently and enthusiastically participated in a multitude of school plays throughout his elementary school years, thereby laying the groundwork for a lifelong passion for the craft of acting.
Derrick's storied career in the world of drum and bugle corps began in 1991, when he proudly joined the Spirit of Newark Drum and Bugle Corps as one of its charter members, a position he held for a remarkable six years, from 1991 to 1997.
Following a brief hiatus, Derrick made a triumphant return to the Spirit of Newark Drum and Bugle Corps in 2000, this time taking on the role of conductor, a position he would hold for seven years, from 2000 to 2007.
In addition to his work with the Spirit of Newark Drum and Bugle Corps, Derrick was also a member of The Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps from 1998 to 2006, where he honed his impressive snare drumming skills, performing with the group for eight years.
Derrick's exceptional percussion talents also led him to perform with the esteemed New Jersey Nets Drumline in 2004, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled and accomplished musician in the world of drum and bugle corps.
Derrick embarked on a teaching journey in the year 2000, initially focusing on percussion programs in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, with Rapidfire Indoor Percussion being one of his notable endeavors.
Derrick's professional journey as an actor commenced in the year 2010, marking the beginning of a remarkable career trajectory that would soon witness him gracing the screens in a multitude of notable productions.
Some of the most prominent among these were "Creed", a film that would catapult him into the spotlight, followed by "Man On A Ledge", a gripping drama that showcased his versatility as an actor.
The list of his notable works continued to grow with "Where Hearts Lie", a poignant and emotional tale that allowed him to tap into his inner depths, and "CStreet", a production that further solidified his reputation as a talented and dedicated thespian.
Throughout his journey, Derrick has been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to study under the guidance of some of the most esteemed instructors in the industry, including Sara Mornell, a highly respected acting coach known for her ability to bring out the best in her students.
He has also had the privilege of being mentored by Tracey Moore, a talented actress and director who has made a significant impact on the world of entertainment.
Constance Tillotson, another highly respected figure in the industry, has also played a significant role in shaping Derrick's craft, offering valuable insights and guidance that have helped him grow both as an artist and as a person.
Amanda Lynch, a skilled actress and acting coach, has also been a valuable source of inspiration and support for Derrick, providing him with the tools and techniques he needs to excel in his craft.
And, of course, no mention of Derrick's journey would be complete without a nod to the late Dustin Felder, a talented actor and instructor who left an indelible mark on the industry before his untimely passing.
Through his experiences and the guidance of these esteemed instructors, Derrick has honed his craft, developed his unique style, and emerged as a talented and dedicated actor, ready to take on whatever challenges the future may hold.
Derrick embarked upon a new creative trajectory in the year 2016 by releasing his inaugural single, "Selfish Pride", a collaborative effort co-produced by the talented Stefan Mossele and Aswad Samad. This milestone marked the commencement of his foray into the realm of recording artistry and songwriting, thereby cementing his reputation as a multifaceted individual of exceptional versatility and artistic range.
