Do you sing in the shower?

Sometimes, it just depends on my mood and the time of day. I have neighbors who may not appreciate it too early or too late. So maybe if it is midday, and if my roommate isn’t home, I’ll put on a small, impromptu show.

Do you drink coffee or tea?

Coffee in the afternoon as a little extra pick-me-up. Tea in the evening when I want to gear down.

Who or what inspired you to become an actor?

I went to a model call at a local agency in my hometown. There they suggested I try some acting classes where they talked me into attending a big acting showcase of sorts in LA where a bunch of industry professionals would be. The bug bit me there, and I never looked back.

What are you currently working on?

At the time of answering these questions, the writer’s are on strike in Hollywood with the actors potentially not far behind them if negotiations with the production companies don’t get settled fairly. With that, there’s next to nothing being filmed let alone even auditioning because there’s no telling how long this all might go on, so I’m taking the moment to just enjoy the downtime and hoping to come back artistically refreshed and fueled up, ready to go come time for everything to kick back into super high gear.

What city is home at the moment?

I live on the Gold Coast in Australia, but I’ve been thinking about moving.

How much are you like the character of Rando in How I Met Your Father, or how different?

Well, I do like to walk around nude, so I guess we have that in common. And I do tend to listen a lot more than interject, especially around people I don’t know, so there’s that also it seems.

Professionally, what are you better at now than before?

I used to get super stuck and unable to play in my auditions, but now, after a lot of practice like with anything, I’m able to change things up a lot easier and sink more into the character I’m portraying within the scene I’m in. I’ve also taken control back of the audition experience by having more fun within it and caring less about the outcome.

Many actors are fascinated by characters with a dark side. Does it happen to you too? 

I used to only gravitate towards the “good guy” roles, but as of late I’ve found I get auditioned for the “darker” characters too, which has been a fun discovery for myself and actually getting to dig into those parts of me that I’ve never really let out before.

How do you feel about the shift from motion picture to the series paradigm that has happened over the last few years?

I think it’s really cool because it allows for stories to be more fleshed out, and equally it allows actors to work more compared to making just the one film.

Have you ever felt typecast?

I’ve had the pleasure of playing various types of roles and genres, and even though my body has been featured heavily in many, even those roles haven’t always been the same exactly.

What scares you?

Snakes. I have such an irrational fear of them.

Dogs or cats?

I like both, but if forced to choose ONLY one, dogs.

Friday or Sunday?

Sunday, because it feels more restful.

Having been Ellen’s gardener on her show, do you think it’s important for a man to be sexy?

Sexy is VERY subjective, honestly. There’s plenty who don’t find me sexy.  Having a sculpted body doesn’t automatically make someone sexy either. There are people that the majority would say is “sexy,” but I don’t necessarily agree. It goes back to the saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

Is there time for love with your schedule?

There’s time for anyone to have love in their schedule. It just comes down to priorities and effort. I’m only going to get busier and things will only become more difficult, so if there was a “perfect” time, it would be now. Right now though, I’m content being single. If love comes along and fits within the parameters of my life, then there's a seat at the table next to me for it.

What would your perfect night be like?

Dinners and game nights are my jam, honestly. Give me some yummy food with good people, throw some laughs and a little challenge in there and I'm set.

What do you wear to sleep?

I think the question is: What don’t I wear to sleep...?

What’s next for Derek Yates?

I’m working with my team on leveling up within the acting industry. Once the strikes are resolved and things get back to normal, we are really striving to end the year with a BANG!

In this Story:

 1-10. In this Story: Derek Yates wears hat ASOS, jean jacket and denim jeans LEVI’S, necklace KYLE CHAN, white briefs and black tank top CALVIN KLEIN

Photographer LESTER VILLARAMA, Talent DEREK YATES

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