The Magazine. November 2007. "Interview With the Stars" Mike Seater. Scan.

Typed out by Kelly.


What is your favourite part about being Derek?
Derek is a pretty wild and "out there" guy. Maybe he goes a little too far sometimes, but you have to respect a guy who can just let loose and go for what he wants. That can definitely be a challenge though, to make him come to life. I have to do these crazy and sometimes embarrassing things, but still feel cool while doing it.

Were you popular in school like you are on the show?
I have had my moments, yes. I've been at either end of the spectrum: in elementary school, I was bullied all the time and felt totally horrible. But when I got to high school, I was at an arts school, and all of a sudden, being myself was cool!

Did you play any sports growing up?
I have never really been a sports guy. When I was 10, I joined a hockey league [without ever really playing before] to try to appease my dad. I only lasted half a season because both he and I could tell that my heart wasn’t in it, or maybe it was because I couldn’t stop and kept slamming into the boards.

What sports do you like now?
Now, I pay Ultimate Frisbee with my buddies. I’m not all that great, but we just have fun.

What is your favourite movie?
I’ve got a couple. Withnail & I, Grease, and Boondock Saints.

What type of movie would you like to star in the most?
Probably some wild fantasy movie. Then again, you just want to feel like you’re part of some crazy world, but you end up never seeing it because you’re standing in front of a green screen most of the time.

What is your favourite animal?
I’m definitely a dog guy, an English Bulldog guy. But if I were to venture outside the domestic animal box, I’d say a Kinkajou, they’re wild!

What is your favourite kind of food?
I love a good sushi pizza.

What is your favourite cartoon character and why?
Captain Planet! Dude was so cool. He had green hair; he was saving the planet before it was an issue, and he came from the power of a bunch of rings.

What is your best advice for someone who is being bullied?
That’s hard. There is no straight answer or we wouldn’t have this problem. From experience, I’d say if you have one true friend, you’ll make it through. Concentrate on the good times you have with them. But from research, I’ve discovered that it actually comes back to that true friend. You have to stand up. The fastest, most common way an act of bullying ends is when a bystander intervenes and says that the bullying is not cool. I’ve been there -- bullied and bystander. It takes so much courage, but it’s worth it; it seriously is. Stand up.

Who do you look up to the most, and why?
Terry Fox is an incredible role model. He is a pillar of hope, courage and selflessness that you can always look to. He reminds me to remember all the great and little things that matter in life.