John Derek, born Derek Delevan Harris (Hollywood, 1926 – Santa Maria, 1998), was an American actor, director, and photographer. He began his career as an actor in the 1940s, becoming a well-known figure in American cinema with roles in films such as *All the King's Men* (1949) and the epic *The Ten Commandments* (1956), in which he played Joshua. For his performance in *Knock on Any Door* (1949), he won a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. From the 1960s, he moved behind the camera, focusing on directing and photography. He directed numerous films that often starred his last wife, Bo Derek, including *Tarzan, the Ape Man* (1981) and *Bolero* (1984). Although his directorial work often received a negative critical reception, earning him several Razzie Awards, he remains a multifaceted figure in the Hollywood landscape, marking a transition from screen idol to a creator of visually impactful cinema.