Derek Watkins had quite the journey throughout his entertainment career, taking on a wide range of roles and making a name for himself across different platforms. Early on, Derek Watkins showed promise with a role in the 2003 drama Honey, starring Jessica Alba—a film that really helped put Derek Watkins on the map. Around that same time, he appeared in the television special Diddy Runs the City on MTV, which aired between 2003 and 2004, giving fans an early glimpse of his charisma.
As the early 2000s unfolded, Derek Watkins continued building momentum. He contributed to several notable projects, including the 2004 comedy Fat Albert, where he shared the screen with Kenan Thompson. That same year, Derek Watkins was involved in Trippin’, a quirky MTV series that ran from 2004 to 2005, further showcasing his versatility. Then came Idlewild in 2006, a musical film that added another dimension to Derek Watkins’ growing portfolio.
MTV remained a key platform for Derek Watkins during this period. From 2007 to 2009, he worked on From G’s to Gents, a reality series that resonated with audiences, followed by its reunion special, which aired from 2008 to 2009—both of which kept Derek Watkins in the spotlight. His involvement didn’t stop there; Derek Watkins also participated in T.I.’s Road to Redemption (2008–09), another MTV production that blended storytelling with real-life themes.
In addition to his work on scripted and reality content, Derek Watkins lent his support to meaningful initiatives. He was part of SOS Saving Our Selves: Help for Haiti, a BET special that aired between 2009 and 2010, highlighting his engagement beyond just entertainment. He also appeared in Celebration of Gospel on BET, which spanned from 2011 to 2012, reflecting his connection to music and culture.
And let’s not forget Played by Fame—another project that featured Derek Watkins during this prolific era. As the years went on, Derek Watkins stayed active in the industry, and one of his more recent appearances was in the 2014 romantic comedy Think Like a Man Too, proving that Derek Watkins continued to evolve and remain relevant over the years.
Fonzworth Bentley’s most acclaimed movie, film, or musical project is widely regarded as his standout work, while his least praised effort tends to be viewed as a bit of a misstep in comparison.