Derek has been acting since he was 7 years old. He is originally from Massachusetts, the state where he graduated high school and college, earning his associate's degree in broadcasting and telecommunications.
"I felt that majoring in that course would help me better understand as a serious actor, what goes on behind the scenes."

While in college Derek developed Coolwaters Productions LLC and produced his first 3 independent films which include Rescue Me (shot for the Drug Free America charity) and Shorts (a film containing 3 mini stories covering slap stick comedy, horror and a super hero special effects story).

After graduating from college Derek made the big move to Hollywood CA. where he currently resides and is continuing to pursue his acting career. With years of frustration building (as it often does with actors) Derek decided to resurrect Coolwaters Productions LLC from his college years. Coolwaters is now producing many independent films standing behind the company's slogan; "Don’t wait for Hollywood to make your film. Do it yourself"!

Derek is very pleased with the current status of his career. By taking the "bull by the horns" he has earned a role in Leprechaun 6 (making him now eligible for membership into the Screen Actors Guild). He can currently be seen at film festivals in his independent film Instant Dads (which won it's first film festival award in NOV 2006)! (which he serves as writer/director). He has several new projects in the planning stages, including I, OF THE WOLF (click on the logo to learn more). Please check back here for updates on future projects!

Derek will serve as a producer on the documentary

With Great Power... The Influence of Comics in America