Biography
An imposing African-American character player with a strong singing voice, Derricks first made his mark on the Broadway and off-Broadway stages in a series of soul, gospel and blues-flavored musical dramas and revues before trying his hand briefly at features and later as a cast regular on series TV. He studied voice in college and began pursuing a career writing gospel music, but seeing his twin brother Clinton performing onstage steered him …
Latest Tv Credits
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Career Milestones
| Played Rembrandt 'Crying Man' Brown on the science-fiction series, "Sliders" (Fox, 1995-97; Sci-Fi Channel 1998-2000) | ||
1993 | Played Charles on the ABC comedy series, "Thea" | |
1992 | Played Dr. Frederick Ross on the Fox TV sitcom, "Woops!" | |
1991 | First TV role as series regular, "Good Sports"; played role of Jeff Mussberger | |
1984 | First prominent supporting role in features, "Moscow on the Hudson" | |
1982 | Enjoyed notable Broadway success in the musical revue, "Dreamgirls", for which he also did vocal arrangements; won Tony Award as Best Featured Actor in a Musical | |
1981 | Feature film debut, "Fort Apache, The Bronx" | |
1979 | Did choral arrangements and handled vocal preparation for the stage musical, "But Never Jam Today" (based on "Alice in Wonderland"), in which he also played the roles of Caterpiller, Cook, Tweedledee and the Seven of Spades | |
1978 | First TV-movie, "Cindy" | |
1977 | Career breakthrough when his brother Clinton was unable to fulfill a commitment to perform in a Broadway revival of "Hair"; his brother suggested Cleavant, who flew to New York, auditioned and got the part of Hud | |
| Moved to New York to pursue acting after he saw his twin brother Clinton performing onstage | ||
| Moved back to Tennessee, to Nashville, after studying voice in college, in order to write gospel music | ||
Awards
1982 | Tony Award for Actor (Featured Role--Musical) |