Derek Alexander Dixon is an American actor and playwright, best known for his roles in television series such as The Oval and Ruthless, as well as his contributions to theater. Raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, Dixon has built a diverse career in both acting and writing. He gained widespread recognition in 2019 when he joined Tyler Perry’s productions, portraying the character Dale in multiple seasons. More recently, Dixon has attracted public attention due to his high-profile lawsuit against Tyler Perry.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Derek Alexander Dixon |
| Date of Birth | May 10 (year not publicly disclosed) |
| Place of Birth | Raleigh, North Carolina, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Partner | Not publicly available |
| Children | Not publicly available |
| Occupations | Actor, Playwright |
| Net Worth | N/A |
Early Life and Education
Born on May 10 in Raleigh, North Carolina, Derek Dixon developed a passion for theater early in life. He attended Marymount Manhattan College, where he studied theater and performance.
To further hone his craft, he trained at The Terry Schreiber Studio in New York, a well-regarded acting school. This education laid a solid foundation for his future career in the performing arts.
Career
Dixon began his career in theater, performing in productions such as The Lion in Winter, Romeo and Juliet, and The Boys in the Band. These roles helped him sharpen his acting skills and gain recognition on stage.
In addition to acting, Dixon is an accomplished playwright. He has written several full-length plays, including Homewrecker, Red Snow, Pictures of People, Work of Art, and Green Light.
In 2015, he joined Working Title Playwrights, an organization that supports emerging playwrights.
His play When Things Are Lost earned him co-winner status at the 2016 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award, highlighting his talent as a writer.
Dixon’s television career took off in 2019 after meeting Tyler Perry at an event in Atlanta.
He was cast in Perry’s show The Restless and soon after joined the cast of The Oval, playing Dale in over 100 episodes. He also appeared in Ruthless, reprising the same character.
In 2023, Dixon expanded his creative roles by acting and writing for the series Losing It.
Dixon is slated to appear in the upcoming film Joy Ridge, directed by Tyler Perry. The movie is currently in post-production, with filming completed in Colorado and at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.
Personal Life
Derek Dixon keeps his personal life private. Public information about his family, relationships, or hobbies is limited. He has lived and worked in New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, reflecting his commitment to advancing his acting career.
Controversies
In June 2025, Dixon filed a $260 million lawsuit against Tyler Perry, accusing him of sexual harassment, assault, and abuse of power during their professional relationship.
The lawsuit alleges that Perry subjected Dixon to unwanted advances and retaliated professionally when Dixon did not reciprocate.
Dixon claims that Perry used his influence to pressure him and warned that his character on The Oval would be written off if he did not comply.
Perry has denied all allegations, calling the claims fabricated and part of a scam. This legal battle has drawn significant media attention.
Net Worth
Derek Dixon’s exact net worth is not publicly available. His income primarily comes from acting roles, theatrical performances, and writing projects.
While he has had a steady role on The Oval, detailed financial information remains undisclosed.
Filmography
Television
- The Oval (2019–2025) as Dale – 85 episodes
- Ruthless (2020–2021) as Dale – 2 episodes
- Losing It (2023) – Actor and Writer
Film
- Joy Ridge (Upcoming) as Gildon
Theater
- The Lion in Winter
- Romeo and Juliet
- The Boys in the Band
Awards and Recognitions
Derek Dixon’s most notable accolade is co-winning the 2016 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award for When Things Are Lost.
His membership in Working Title Playwrights since 2015 also underscores his recognized talent as a playwright.
While he has not received major acting awards, his ongoing roles in television and theater demonstrate his steady presence and contributions to the arts.
