Rising teen star Dexter Darden plays the role of a tormented computer geek who gets the last laugh in the original Disney Channel movie "Minutemen" airing at 8 tonight.
His movie debut is proof that the 16-year-old boy isn't letting a potentially life-threatening disease or even a well-intentioned mother derail his longtime dream of becoming a movie star.
And the Disney Channel movie is a convincing start for Darden, who has sickle cell anemia, an inherited blood disorder that causes chronic pain by clogging blood vessels, which is damaging to tissues and vital organs.
"I'm actually really excited," said Darden, who lives in the township's Sicklerville section. "I'm psyched. I can't wait till it comes out."
Pat Darden wants her son to be a lawyer or doctor, but she's proud of his successes.
"I had a lot of faith in him. He's motivated. He always wanted to do something in the arts. He sings. He dances. He acts. And I was hopeful some doors would open for him and they did," she said.
Darden admits that he can see himself working as a pediatrician some day because of his empathy for sick children. But for now, he's capitalizing on his artistic talent and acting is at the forefront.
Darden auditioned for the role in New York City last summer. He wore his tube socks high, taped-up glasses, old-fashioned basketball shorts and Converse in an attempt to appear "over-the-top" geeky.
The next day he was offered a role as Chester, king of The Geek Squad. The movie was shot in Salt Lake City.
Darden will be watching the movie today at a private location in Margate. His manager, Sabina Kolfa, has arranged a private dinner for him and his family, friends and other talent agents.
The home-schooled teen star said "Minutemen" is an entertaining family movie that's worth watching.
"Everyone told me I did pretty good. So, I'm pleased with my work, but I am going to be my worst critic."
Darden also has worked on other recent projects.
He had the lead role in "The Nutcracker," a Paul Morris Dance Explosion Production, in December and appeared in "School House Rock Live," an off-Broadway play last year. He has done modeling work for Vogue magazine and has a lead role in "Sizzlean," an independent film scheduled to hit theaters in 2009. Reach Wilford S. Shamlin at (856) 486-2475 or wshamlin@courierpostonline.com
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