Meet Derrick Hogan Jr. | Actor, Producer, Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Derrick Hogan Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Derrick, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
It’s what makes me happy! With only having one life to live, (yes that was my favorite show before it got off the air) it’s a no brainer.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I got to where I am today by staying true to who I am and believing in God and simply having faith. What is for me, is for me. The life of an actor is not easy…well at least not for me. My family has no actors nor anyone who’s ever wanted to. My parents did not know where this came from. Funny story, years ago my great grandmother favorite show was “All My Children”. I was sitting in her living-room with her and my great grandfather watching their favorite show, and the actor Michael B Jordan was on the show at the time as “Reggie” and out of nowhere my great grandmother pointed to the show and myself and said “Little Derrick, I want that to be you! This is how you would make me proud.” Since then I’ve strived to be an actor and as a kid I did not know what folks on television was doing.

Lessons I’ve learned along the way are just like any profession you must train, be a student of the game, hone your craft. Last lesson I learned was to focus on your own instrument. People will critique you everyday all day. You can’t make everyone happy so just do your best work and forget about it.

What I’m most proud of is being a man of my word that I gave myself years ago. A lot of people talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk. Let alone a lot of people ask for handouts. As for myself I had to work extremely hard.

What I’m most proud of was being able to book myself for a film role I did not have to audition for! I wrote my first feature film, then created an inspired short film and produced it with the huge help of NALIP & NETFLIX, and the Bay Area Community! The highly anticipated short film “Greetings From St. Helena” directed by Alba Roland Mejia is a magnificent piece of work I am proud of. Filmmaking is extremely challenging so to accomplish something and make it to the finish line is everything.

What I want the world to know about me is that I’m an overall artist, and yet I’m just ordinary. I love acting, music, writing songs and narratives. Also I love football! I was the Corbin Bleu of my high school and college years.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Most of my good friends are in the mid west so I’d introduce them to In N Out Burger it’s a California experience!

But if we were to go pricey I’d definitely say Thanh Long Restaurant in San Francisco

I’d definitely introduce them to Restoration Hardware Rooftop Restaurant

And then go to Stinson Beach! That’s my all time favorite beach spot!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many to thank and shout out for all the help they given me. The many talks and teachings will go a long way and stick with me forever. I’d love to thank casting director Rob Decina for writing the book “The Art of Auditioning- Techniques for Television”.

Next I’d like to thank my dear friend and mentor and someone who is like an uncle to me, casting director Doran Reed. He fostered me during an internship I was blessed with. He would pick my brain about so many things related to entertainment, then we’d talk sports, and later he introduced me to his family and I later became family to his beautiful family. He taught me so much and given me so many gems.

I’d love to shout out Don B Welch! He is an amazing mentor to me. So many gems and gifts he’s given me through my development as an actor. He is as real as they come.

I’d like to give legendary casting directors Mark Teschner and Lisa Booth for dropping gems in class that has strongly assisted in my development to be the best actor possible. I thank them for the many opportunities to work and get my feet wet on their shows set. They worked to make my dreams come true.

Shout out to my high school drama teacher Tony Tuttle. He trained me and was so hard on me in school. I felt as though with all the challenges he gave me and work load he would give me really paid off. How awesome it is to be able to connect back to my roots to practically where it all became serious for me? It’s is an amazing feeling.

Id like to give Jim Jarrett a shout out for allowing me access to one of the greatest acting intensives in the world! The Meisner Technique Studio. This is the boot camp and training ground for any actor seeking to be serious and be taken seriously in this field.

Lastly, thank you is to Sterling College for allowing me to attend this special Christian institution and study Theater and Business. The theater department was very rigorous. The training is top notch. I appreciate all the lessons and the space that was granted to me. I also thank the evolution that the theater has had recently too.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamderrickhoganjr?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
NJ Brown