Some actors thrive on showboating while others simply lay low and showcase their talent. Derek Luke represents the latter and has since his critically acclaimed debut in “Antwone Fisher” in 2002. Although he has worked steadily, the Jersey City, New Jersey, native has carefully diversified his résumé opting for meatier roles rather than collect a paycheck just because. Now, he gets his hands dirty and hearts racing on NBC’s high-octane medical drama “Trauma” as EMT worker Cameron Boone. ESSENCE.com sat down with Luke to talk about the one thing he fears the most, the benefits of donning a uniform, and maintaining a life of normalcy in a media-driven society.
ESSENCE.COM: (Laughs.) So what do you love most about donning a uniform?
LUKE: I love the authority that comes along with it and I can see how people abuse it. It’s amazing how people respond to authority and how some people lean so much on that uniform. One day I walked across the street while on-set in uniform and this guy who looks like he published books for a living was in a minivan and he stopped abruptly and I saw him easing his seatbelt on. I’m thinking, Good idea, but wrong uniform!” (Laughs.) And then another time I was in the ambulance and they let us drive for a few blocks; we’re doing our lines and traffic doesn’t stop, so I turn on my siren and it was like parting the red sea, and I couldn’t help but think, “That’s whassup!” (Laughs.)
ESSENCE.COM: So you created your own express lane! Love it! Is there anything about your notoriety you could live without?
LUKE: A situation like my wife and I losing our child because of a miscarriage reminds me so much of that little bit of my character and what people think they know of you and your identity on the outside, but the reality is that you’re a different person when you return home. My wife and I had to learn that the rules of fame are that you must take time to rest for your soul and spirit to deal with the aftershock of people getting the wrong news, late news and or timely news.
You can read the rest of the interview here:
www.essence.com
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