Derek L Cook

Actor

Naperville, Illinois

Member Since:
November 2015

Last online:
> 2 weeks ago

Invites sent:
0

About Derek

A SAG-eligible character actor with a penchant of playing strong character types, Derek has been cast in roles from redneck heavies (thanks, in part, to his Kentucky heritage) in independent films such as "Don't Worry, We'll Be Fine", "Ronan", and "Candie's Harem" to a prosecuting attorney ("Inventing Karma") and even a CEO of a global corporation ("Bravo 1"). Derek has been described by his peers as a chameleon as he tends to change his looks to serve the characters that he plays. He enjoys playing against type and is always developing new character traits in order to bring many diverse characters to life.

A large part of Derek's training in character development has come from his improv training at The Second City Training Center in Chicago and The Comedy Shrine where he has worked with some of Chicagoland's best improvisers such as Michael Gellman, Mark Czoske, Bill Russell, Dave Sinker, Matthew Mages, and Tim O'Malley. Derek has also studied with Maureen Cashin Bolog (Actor's Craft studio - Kenosha, WI) for script analysis using Ivana Chubbuck's technique.

Derek's most recent work includes being cast in Notebook Entertainment's web-series "The Deadersons" where he portrays David Deaderson, a hard-working, dedicated family man trying to balance the pressures of life and family issues. Oh, and did I mention that he and his family are zombies living "normal" lives after the apocalypse?!? The pilot episode for this fun and campy dark comedy can be seen here. In addition to this and other indie film projects, Derek keeps his improv skills sharp by performing at the Comedy Shrine (Aurora, IL) and participates in long-form jams when they arise.

Aside from acting, Derek also enjoys reading (biographies and auto-biographies are his favorite), learning the guitar and bass guitar, working with accents and learning languages (currently trying to learn German), and watching movies and TV. He also enjoys traveling, but doesn't do it as much as he would like. Someday, he hopes to visit Japan, Germany, and Australia.

He is looking forward to the next big leap in his career and dreams of working on a Quentin Tarantino movie someday. So Mr. Tarantino, if you're reading this, contact me! I'm ready to go!

Unique traits: Personally, I'm against type-casting so I'm always up for whatever roles will challenge me as an artist. I tend to play strong character types, but believe that I bring a high-level of believability to every role I take on. However, I understand that type-casting does happen so here is a list of types that I have either performed as or could perform if given the chance. I am, in no way, limited to these: - Blue-Collar Types: Redneck, Farmer, Sheriff, Cowboy, Police Chief/Detective - White-Collar Types: Lawyer, Politician, Business Owner, Doctor - Specialty Types: Dad, Serial Killer

Gender:
Male

Height:
6' 1"

Weight:
215

Body type:
Heavyset

Hair:
Chin Length

Hair color:
Brown

Eyes:
Blue

Ethnicity:
Caucasian

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Credits

Cellar Secret (2017)
Film by Faux Pas Films/Michael Wade Johnson (Horror) Aaron Lancaster Witness the unraveling of a God fearing man struggling with loss . Inspired by actual events.
The Deadersons (2015 - 2016)
Television by Notebook Entertainment/Kris Williamson & Wyatt Elliott (Comedy) David Deaderson A new web series where comedy meets the Zombie Apocalypse! Meet the Deadersons and follow their family through life-after-death! The Deaderson family is just trying to make the best of their undead life after a world wide Zombie apocalypse. Inspired by the TV shows of the 1950s/60s, this comedy series takes wholesome and turns it on its head!
Kings (2015)
TV Movie by Liberium Visons/Chris Love (Crime and Drama) Charles Wells Kings follows an unlikely individual on his relentless pursuit of revenge. After the tragic murder of his brother, Lavell Washington forms a very unlikely alliance with a widowed vigilante and a drug abusing stick up man in order to take down the criminal empire responsible. Revenge is one of the most powerful motivators, and that's what fuels this gritty crime drama. We find Lavell - A man riddled with guilt and lack of closure surrounding his brother's untimely death, finally receiving the chance to avenge his murder; Jack - a widowed vigilante who has taken the law into her own hands; and Skid - a drug abusing criminal on the wrong side of one of the city's biggest crime lords. Lavell, unsettled by the mediocrity of the safe life his brother wanted him to live, receives a phone call that will change his life forever. Jack lures Lavell into her carefully devised plan by the temptation of vengeance and eventually power. On this path, Lavell naively plunges headfirst into the rabbit ... Written by Chris Love
Ronan (2015)
Film (short) by Dark Hat Productions/Jake Jakuski (Drama) Arnold Carter
Candie's Harem (2015)
Film by Faux Pas Films/Michael Wade Johnson (Horror and Mystery) Andy Candie is a bisexual who has a perfect setup with multiple partners until everyone starts dying around her.
Bravo 1 (2015)
Film by Surging Films/Billy Surges (Action, Sci-Fi and Thriller) The Boss In the near future, a television corporation has developed the software to create an alternate universe. A man by the name of Bravo 1 lives within this alternate universe unknowingly, providing entertainment to a mass audience. The corporation and the creator of the universe are at a constant battle as to what is humane versus what is profitable. Under the assumption that this is a military detail, Bravo 1 sets out on his mission. Little does he know, he is not alone, and a war is among us all. Written by Katie Meyers
Market Value (2015)
Film by Contexture Media Network/Wendell Etherly (Drama) Celebrity Chef (featured background) After fifteen years, Audrey is forced to share the truth regarding the circumstances surrounding her son's adoption.
Johnny (2014)
Film by Surging Films/Billy Surges (Crime and Drama) Mr. Sinclaire A game of twists and turns to find out why Johnny is killing the women of the town. An intense story of a corrupt politician and his family. A touching story about a negro family and a white family becoming best friends. All the stories converge on each other in the final climatic scene. Written by Billy Surges
Law and Disorder (pilot) (2012)
Television by CK Pictures/Michael Shane Leighton Officer Stephens
Don't Worry, We'll Be Fine (2012)
Film (short) by Surging Films/Billy Surges Redneck #1 (principal role)