Derek Yates, a professional actor, model, and singer from the Scenic City, was announced as Ellen’s “new gardener” on “The Ellen Degeneres Show” Tuesday on NBC.
Yates caught the attention of Ellen’s producers when his audition video went viral on YouTube and EllenTube a few weeks ago. The video was then featured on her show and website along with those of a few other contestants. Last week, Yates got the call to fly to LA and be on the show.
“It’s a dream come true to be on Ellen’s show. I can’t help but feel good while watching her, and now I get to be a part of that for her audience and viewers,” says Yates.
The episode showed Yates and two other finalists walking a catwalk while Ellen introduced them. Yates and the other finalists then ripped off their shirts before leaving the stage.
They were then brought back out together, lined up, and Ellen asked each one a random question. Ellen then gave the audience the power to vote by round of applause and cheers, and when she asked the audience their thoughts on Yates, they went wild, at which point Ellen made the big announcement. Yates was given a blue sash reading “Temporary Gardener” along with a golden hoe and a $1,000 Target gift card.
Yates has been involved in the arts since he was a child. He also is the co-founder of 1N3. Yates is currently represented by The Jana VanDyke Agency in Atlanta, Ga, and soon plans to move to Los Angeles to further his entertainment career. He attributes his success to the strong support of his friends and family in the pursuit of his entertainment dreams.
Source: Derek Yates