It’s been nearly seven years since actor Derek Luke made his big screen debut in the film “Antwone Fisher.” Recently, he portrayed Sean “Diddy” Combs in the biopic “Notorious.”

Click here to see if any of Derek’s movies made theGRIO’s Top Ten Black Films of the Decade List.

The Jersey City, N.J. native is now trying his hand at the small screen—starring as paramedic Cameron Boone in NBC’s new medical drama, “Trauma.” The show is his first significant role in television, though he has appeared in several music videos for artists such as Monica and Alicia Keys.

Derek sat down with theGrio and discussed his transition to television, his dreams for the future and the role mentors have played in his life.

Follow theGrio’s Todd Johnson on Twitter at @rantoddj