Derek Gaines
Derek Gaines
Derek Gaines (born July 29, 1984) is a professional actor and comedian popular for his role in The Last O.G and his recent role in the film 'The King of Staten Island'
His step to fame came when he reached the semi finals of Bill Bellamy's Who's Got Jokes? in 2010 and was also a finalist in Philadelphia's Funniest Person Competition.
Early Life
Derek was born on July 29, 1984 in California. There’s no information on his family, background and education.
His family moved to Philadelphia, where he grew up and discovered he had a talent for comedy.
He believes that God had given him this gift of comedy and just wants to return it back for the people.
His motto is "Progress and not peril" and he intends on following it through out his career.
His relationship status is currently unknown and his past relationships are also not known as he keeps his love life private.
He currently lives in New York City.
Education
In 2002, he graduated from Overbrook Regional Senior High School, got admission to Camden County College and graduated with a degree in 2005.
Career
After graduating, he started comedy clubs in Philadelphia before he moved on to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York (tri-state areas).
He refers to his comedy as “Left field crusader show", his comedy style is for everyone but moves the hearts of the Black suburban children of the US.
In 2010, he competed for Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes, and reached the semi-finalist stage. This was his first breakthrough as a comedian. In that same year also, he was part of the finalist in Philadelphia’s Phunniest Person Competition.
In 2014, he made his debut as a comedian, when he made an appearance at the AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live.
He got selected as a New Faces showcase for the Just For Laughs Festival.
He has made appearances on other shows like VH1’s Morning Buzz and TRU TV’s Greatest Ever.
He was casted for Morgan Spurlock’s docuseries “Connected”, MTV’s Joking Off and the co-host of MTV’s Broke A$$ Game Show.
He has also casted for films such as “Jaybird” in the hit Tracy Morgan’s series “The Last O.G.”, NBC comedy “Relatively Happy”, ABC’s “Training Day” and NBC series “Will & Grace.”
His recent film is 'The King of Staten Island' produced in 2020.