Derek Luke

A long-time aspiring actor who grabbed the public's attention with a stellar performance in the acclaimed "Antwone Fisher" (2002), Derek Luke emerged from years of obscurity to become an accomplished and respected performer. Not one to choose style over substance after his initial success, Luke has largely eschewed typical Hollywood fare to concentrate on meatier roles in smaller, but significant films that elevated the young actor's critical esteem. The cost, however, has been the spotlight-despite the recognition from "Antwone Fisher," Luke was yet a household name. But the comfortable anonymity suited the young actor just fine, even as he stood out as the star performer in roles both large and small, establishing what many believed would be a long and productive career.