Derrick was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas with his two younger siblings. Derrick moved to Tennessee where he began acting in high school theatre productions. He went on to study Theater at University. After leaving college in his junior year he returned to the stage doing stand-up comedy briefly and then began working on improv comedy at the world famous Groundlings Theater and School in Los Angeles.

In 2013, Derrick was nominated for Best Actor Award at the Berlin Film Festival for his work in GAME OVER.

He is most well know for his starring role pranking pro-athletes on the television show FULL COURT PRANKS with Chris Webber. He can also be seen on Nickelodeon playing a lovable dad named Jim on Henry Danger.

In 2018 Derrick can be seen on the big screen with Julianne Moore and Michael Cera in Sebastian Lelio's remake of the film GLORIA. You can also find him working alongside his favorite charitable organization ONESIGHT helping lower income children in Los Angeles get free eyewear.