Biography
Equal parts comedian and dramatic actor, Derek Brantley brings an impressive range to his craft. The talented New York native is a true original, born in Brooklyn, Derek's first inspiration was comedian Eddie Murphy. "I wanted to be him; to be the guy who made everybody laugh." Indeed, Derek's high school friends knew him as the guy who could make them fall of their chairs with laughter. But he was also known for his impressive athletic abilities and above-average intellect. Upon graduation, Derek was accepted into the prestigious University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) where he double-majored in Political Science and Economics, boxed and played soccer on the University's team. But his passion for the stage prevailed. Soon, he became heavily involved in theater, taking classes and participating in musicals and plays.
Derek poured the same drive, tenacity, and discipline, which made him a star pupil and athlete into his work as an actor. It wasn't long before people took notice of the rising star. He was voted "Best New Actor" by both The Michigan Daily and The Ann Arbor Observer while only a college freshman. Before graduating, he was hired as a member of the touring company for the prestigious Second City Comedy Theater (Detroit), which has turned out the likes of John Belushi, Gilda Radner, John Candy, Dan Akyroyd, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Eugene Levy, Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.. Derek soon joined Second City on a full-time basis as a member of both the touring and mainstage companies.
After two years with Second City, Derek returned to his home base of New York City to pursue a career in film and television. He quickly landed roles in feature films including, "Belly," and "U.S. Marshals" and television appearances on "The Tonight Show," "Fastlane," and "City Guys." Before long, MTV spotted Derek and cast him as a regular co-host for several of the popular network's shows.
Since, Derek has since traveled extensively as an actor. He now splits his time between New York and California and has amassed numerous film, television, studio and theater credits. A short list of those credits include: "RENT" Touring Company (as "Benny"), "8-Comedy Improv Troupe" which performed at the world famous Laugh Factory, cast credits for "The Post Show" (Turner Broadcasting Broadband), and "Zekkei" (Fuji Television, Japan). He also starred in and co-wrote DR3 Films fast action-comedy "For Love Or Money", played a major role in "Ellipsis", a film that has showcased in 2007 at Park City Film Music Festival, Arizona Black Film Showcase, 3rd Annual Women of Color Film & Arts Festival, 2nd Annual Sweet Auburn Int'l Film Festival, and the 8th Annual Hollywood Black Film Festival. Most recently he appears in a government black ops sci-fi thriller titled, "The Prisoner", Winner of Best Web Series Pilot --New York TV Festival 2008.
In early 2007, Derek's creative brainchild, NeoWorld Productions, was born. With his extensive performing and writing experience he has assembled a group of experienced and like-minded artists to bring a fresh approach to comedy. As of October 2008, NeoWorld Productions has created a series of short films, "mockumentaries," and various comedic projects. The group also produces the "NWP Sketch Comedy Show".
