Derrick Simmons (director) facts for kids

Derrick Simmons is an American actor, film director, and producer. He is also a talented stunt artist, music producer, and a business owner. He has worked on many popular TV shows and movies.

Meet Derrick Simmons

Early Life and Starting Out

Derrick Simmons was born in Queens, New York. When he was young, he went to Harbor JHS of Performing Arts in Harlem, New York. Later, he studied drama at Talent Unlimited High School.

His Amazing Career

Derrick Simmons began acting at just 10 years old! His first role was in a National Burger King commercial. He appeared alongside actress Stacey Dash in that ad.

Acting and Stunts

Derrick Simmons is known for his incredible stunt work. He has performed stunts in more than 175 films! As an actor, he has appeared in about 40 different movies and TV shows.

You might have seen his work in many TV programs. These include Law & Order, New York Undercover, The Wire, The Sopranos, and Orange is the New Black. He also worked on Saturday Night Live and House of Cards.

Derrick has also been in many feature films. Some of these are American Gangster, A Bronx Tale, and Inside Man. He even worked as a stunt double for Jamie Foxx in the movie Ray, playing the role of Ray Charles. Other films include Precious and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.

Making Movies Behind the Scenes

Besides acting and stunts, Derrick Simmons also makes movies. His company is called Derrick Simmons Film Works. This company has produced three full-length movies. These films are Jump Offs (2007), Women Do it Better (2009), and Nobody's Perfect (2016). His film Nobody's Perfect was even featured by the Cannes World Cinema Initiative.

Making Music

Derrick Simmons is also involved in the music world. He is the CEO of a company called Phat Tune Recording.

Awards and Achievements

Derrick Simmons has won some special awards for his work. He won the best feature film award at the Mt Vernon Film Festival. He also received the best director award at the Pocono Mountains Film Festival.

In 2016, he was nominated for a big award. This was for his work with the stunts crew of The Blacklist. They were nominated for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.