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“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is an extraordinary honor, one I accept with deep gratitude and humility. I look at my peers who have gone on to become distinguished leaders, educators, and executives that shape industries and communities across the country and I’m awed by their impact. I’m simply a storyteller with a passion to entertain. To be recognized alongside such accomplished alumni is an opportunity for me to inspire, mentor, and hopefully uplift the next generation, so that they may go on to lead, educate, and innovate in ways that leave a lasting mark around the world.”
Derek Anthony Barney received his degree in film from The Ohio State University where he won multiple awards for his projects, one of which became required viewing for the next two years in the Director’s Class. During his final year, he got his first professional (paying) job as a Production Manager on a film. There was an issue with one of the lead actors and, with no time for re-casting, he was thrust into the limelight for his first professional (paying) acting gig. His advisor didn’t want this ‘acting thing’ to tarnish his film-maker reputation, so Derek Anthony was created. He left school one credit shy of graduation but would return 5-years later to complete his degree. A job offer led him back to Cleveland where he was hired to direct the pilot for a local dance music/variety show. The producer (also named Derek) didn’t want to ‘share’ his name, so he used the director’s initials and D. A. Barney was born.
Next, Barney was offered the lead in Athol Fugard’s “My Children! My Africa!” – a joint venture between Karamu House and The Dobama Theatre with a goal of bringing the two racially separated audiences together. The critically acclaimed project was not only an incredible success, but on opening night, he met the love of his life. It also opened the door to a last-minute audition opportunity that turned into a national tour with the prestigious American Repertory Theatre touring company where for 95 performances he never left the stage as “H. G. Wells” in “The Time Machine”. Barney was offered a second contract to tour overseas but turned it down because it conflicted with his upcoming wedding. Nine months later he was signed by a management company in Beverly Hills after the screenplay he wrote in college placed second in a national competition. For 30 years, he has pieced together a career as writer, D. A. Barney and actor, Derek Anthony – who has garnered over 60 television, film, and theatre credits. This was never Barney’s plan, but the universe seemed to have other plans.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinema – The Ohio State University
Writer / Actor