American actor Derek Richardson was born on January 18, 1976 in Queensbury, New York. He was educated at the College of Film at Florida State University, beginning in 1992 and graduating in 1996.
Derek Richardson is known for his portrayals of goofy guys, sometimes exploited for their gullibility. The actor began his professional career by taking on guest star roles on Law & Order and Comedy Central's Strangers with Candy. Upon moving to Los Angeles in 2002, he was cast in a recurring role on J.J. Abrams' Felicity, as Keri Russell's love interest. Richardson's first feature film, Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd, was also his first lead role. He starred as a younger version of the Jeff Daniels' character in this prequel to the hit comedy Dumb and Dumber. In 2005, Richardson starred opposite Jay Hernandez as one of the leads in the Lions Gate movie Hostel. It was directed by Eli Roth and executive-produced by Quentin Tarantino. His performance in the horror film garnered him a 2006 MTV Movie Award nomination for "Best Frightened Performance." Two years later, he reprised the role in Hostel: Part II. He has also been seen in the direct-to-video film Bring It On Again, with a small role as an extra in a party. Richardson is known for being cast in the horror film Reeker, written and directed by David Payne. In 2006, he joined the cast of the ABC TV series Men in Trees, playing the character Patrick O’Bachelorton. His role requires him to show his avid fanatic side, as he praises the books of the main character, Marin Frist. The romantic dramedy series also stars Anne Heche, Abraha Benrubi, Emily Bergl, Seana Kofoed, Suleka Mathew, and Sarah Strange. Derek Richardson has also been a guest in The Late Late Show With Craig Kilborn, some time in 2003.
Derek Richardson's Hot List Profile