Derek Frazier is starring in the upcoming season of Big Brother 23. Derek joins the cast of 16 contestants on the prowl for Big Brother's $500,000 grand prize when the doors open for the 23rd season on July 7. From his famous father to his experience going viral on TikTok, there are plenty of fascinating facts fans should know about Derek before he even begins his campaign to win Big Brother 23.
Derek was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Derek liked Philly so much growing up that he still lives in his hometown. At 29 years old, Derek works as a safety officer. Derek grew up in a famous household as the son of the prominent professional boxer, Joe Frazier. Derek's father, known by his nickname "Smokin' Joe," competed from 1965 to 1981. Some of Smokin' Joe's greatest feats include winning a gold medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics, remaining the heavyweight champion from 1970 to 1973, and being the first boxer to defeat the legendary Muhammad Ali. While Smokin' Joe lived an extraordinarily eventful life, Derek is making his own legacy as an emerging reality television star.
Aside from his acclaimed famous father, Derek's background is overflowing with interesting facts. Derek might have a leg-up on his Big Brother 23 castmates because of his disciplined early life. According to Derek's LinkedIn, the safety officer attended high school at Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Wayne, Pennsylvania from 2005 to 2010. After attending a military high school, Derek studied communication at a variety of colleges. In 2010, Derek attended Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. Two years later, Derek transferred to Bucks County Community College in his home state. Derek finished his collegiate experience and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Cabrini College in 2016. After graduating college, Derek returned to the Valley Forge Military Academy, where he worked as the Associate Admissions Director until fall 2018.
According to Derek's official CBS bio, he enjoys playing PlayStation and lifting weights in his free time. Another hobby of Derek's is staying active online. As someone who has reportedly "went viral on TikTok," Derek is one of the most active Big Brother stars on social media. Derek and his friend share their TikTok, "The Regular Degular Show." Derek's joint TikTok account has amassed 40,500 followers and over 833,000 likes. On Instagram, Derek shares all aspects of his personality with his 3,000 followers. One essential facet of Derek's identity he features on his Instagram is his sexuality. During June, Derek shared several posts celebrating Pride month and embracing his place in the LGBTQ+ community. Derek has also utilized his Instagram to commemorate his late father and grandfather. Derek's first post is a picture of his father's signature, which he dedicated to his legendary dad.
Although he has stiff competition this Summer, Derek is not the average Big Brother contestant. From growing up under the watchful eye of his renowned father to embracing his queer identity online, Derek is prepared for any Big Brother twist this season. While Derek has an astounding past, his future on Big Brother 23 is set to be the beginning of his most exciting chapter yet.
Source: Derek Frazier/LinkedIn, Derek Frazier/TikTok, Derek Frazier/Instagram