Derek Luke

Derek Nathanial Luke was born on April 24, 1974, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He is the son of Marjorie Dixon, a pianist, and Maurice Luke, a former actor. His father is originally from Georgetown, Guyana.

Early Life and Education

Luke grew up in Jersey City and attended Henry Snyder High School before graduating from Linden High School. His early life was marked by a passion for acting, which he pursued despite the challenges he faced growing up.

Career Beginnings

Luke’s acting career began with small roles in television. He appeared in an episode of “The King of Queens” in 1999 and had a minor role in the sitcom “Moesha” in 2001. His breakout role came in 2002 when he was cast as the lead in the film “Antwone Fisher,” directed by Denzel Washington. His performance earned him the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead and several other accolades.

Major Film Roles

Following his success in “Antwone Fisher,” Luke continued to build his filmography with significant roles in various films. He played Boobie Miles in “Friday Night Lights” (2004), Bobby Joe Hill in “Glory Road” (2006), and Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs in “Notorious” (2009). He also appeared in “Madea Goes to Jail” (2009) and portrayed Gabe Jones in “Captain America: The First Avenger” (2011).

Television Roles

Luke has also had a successful career in television. He starred in the NBC series “Trauma” and played Miles Bourdet in the TNT medical drama “Hawthorne.” From 2017 to 2020, he portrayed Kevin Porter in the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why.” He has also appeared in “The Americans” (2013) and “Empire” (2015).

Recent Work

In recent years, Luke has continued to take on diverse roles in both film and television. He starred in the NBC pilot “Suspicion” in 2018 and has been involved in various other projects that showcase his versatility as an actor.

Personal Life

Luke has been married to actress Sophia Adella Luke since April 4, 1998. The couple has one child. Despite his busy career, Luke remains dedicated to his family and often speaks about the importance of maintaining a balance between his professional and personal life.

Trivia and Interests

• Luke is known for his dedication to his craft and often brings a deep sense of      authenticity to his roles.

• He has a strong interest in music, influenced by his mother’s career as a pianist.

• Luke is a supporter of various charitable causes and has been involved in initiatives that promote education and the arts.

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