Derek Gaines is an American WGA-award-winning and Daytime Emmy-nominated writer, actor and stand-up comedian who got his start in Philadelphia and has now dominated his way to every prestigious New York stage and around the country.

Known as the man with "the smile of a thousand angels," Derek's first break came in 2014 when he appeared on AXS TV's "Gotham Comedy Live" and was selected by the Just For Laughs Festival as part of their "New Faces" showcase. Derek went on to co-host MTV's "Broke A$$ Game Show" and his career has skyrocketed from there!

Derek had a recurring role as Jaybird in the hit Tracy Morgan's series "THE LAST O.G.," and as Bugs on CBS' "Blue Bloods." He has been featured in films like "The King of Staten Island," written and directed by Judd Apatow and starring Pete Davidson, and "The Wrath of Becky," starring Lulu Wilson. Derek won a WGA Award for his writing on "Inside Amy Schumer" and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for his work on the Apple TV+ & Sesame Street's "Helpsters". Derek has also written and starred in "Bupkis" alongside Joe Pesci, Edie Falco and Pete Davidson.

Derek is also the co-founder and host of the "No Need For Apologies" podcast alongside Dave Temple, with episodes that drop weekly.