Derek Morgan made his professional acting debut in the role of Hud in a Chicago production of the love-rock musical "Hair" with Michael Butler as producer. An agent spotted his stand-out performance and began booking a series of small roles and directing opportunities. Derek—along with a few ambitious producers—directed a production of "Hair" in Houston, Texas to favorable reviews. His theater experience also includes working as co-director for the gospel musical "Calling All Saints" presented at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles.
Derek’s breakthrough role as Thomas Gibson on Lifetime's "For The People," was heralded for his charisma and unique presence on the small screen. The television series "Joan of Arcadia" gave him a chance to share the spotlight with some of the industry's best actors and directors. Derek's lead performance in the critically acclaimed theatrical production of "Black Olive" in Los Angeles, led to his NAACP Theatre Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
A native of the Spanish Harlem section of New York City, Derek spent his summers acting in stock theatre as a youth. While attending Benjamin Franklin High School, Derek started acting in the episodic radio show "Compositions Live" on WBAI Pacifica Radio. This became his outlet from negative activities, keeping him focused and out of trouble in school and on the streets of East Harlem. A lover of learning, Derek graduated from California State University at Fullerton with a Bachelors degree in acting. At UCLA, he taught MFA students and worked alongside playwright August Wilson. He is proud to have served a tour in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman (medic) where he was honorably discharged in San Diego, California.
Derek's most recent work includes an appearance on Comedy Central’s “Onion Sports Dome,” and lead in the upcoming feature, "Found In Time." He is co-starring in the new BET series, "Gun Hill," playing opposite actor Larenz Tate. The show, directed by Reggie Rock Bythewood, is slated to premiere in the 2012-2013 season. Derek is involved in many television and film projects in final development--keep your eyes open.
