Cleavant Derricks

Biography

Cleavant Derricks Jr. is a seasoned actor and singer-songwriter born on May 15, 1953, in Knoxville, Tennessee. A talented vocalist, he began his career as a Nashville gospel songwriter before pursuing acting, earning critical acclaim for roles in Broadway shows such as "Dreamgirls" and "Brooklyn". He won the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of James "Thunder" Early in Dreamgirls.