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An imposing African-American character player with a strong singing voice, Derricks first made his mark on... (Learn more)

Top Projects: Sliders, Thea, Woops! (View All)

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Cleavant Derricks’s Milestones
Moved back to Tennessee, to Nashville, after studying voice in college, in order to write gospel music
Moved to New York to pursue acting after he saw his twin brother Clinton performing onstage
Played Rembrandt 'Crying Man' Brown on the science-fiction series, "Sliders" (Fox, 1995-97; Sci-Fi Channel 1998-2000)
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
1978 First TV-movie, "Cindy"
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
1981 Feature film debut, "Fort Apache, The Bronx"
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
1984 First prominent supporting role in features, "Moscow on the Hudson"
1991 First TV role as series regular, "Good Sports"; played role of Jeff Mussberger
1992 Played Dr. Frederick Ross on the Fox TV sitcom, "Woops!"
1993 - 1994 Played Charles on the ABC comedy series, "Thea"

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Quick Facts

Born

May, 15 1953 in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

Education

  • Howard University, Washington, DC: studied voice during his years there
  • Federal City College, Washington, DC: studied voice during the three years he spent here and at Howard U.

Professions

actor, singer, choral and vocal arranger, composer, potato chip deliveryman

Cleavant Derricks's Top Projects