Our PlaySims reporter, Karyn Locke, conducted an interview with PlaySims's resident male model, Derrick Mooregood. Read the transcript below to learn more about this perenial hottie!
PS: How long have you been in the business?
DM: I worked on the independent scene for about 3 years before Maxine {Knight-Steele; Editor and Founder of PlaySims} contacted me. At first I did solo shoots, but soon they got me into the hardcore shots. I've been at PlaySims for 13 years now.
PS: Is that intimidating for you? At 34 years of age, do you feel you have to work harder when younger guys, like Nelix Horatio, are making a strong impact?
DM: Not at all. Technically I'm in my prime. I don't feel threatened by guys like Nelix, or Rod Cox. In fact, I feel that photographers tend to gravitate towards seasoned professionals such as myself and Jim Beau {a model for a rival mag. and ex-PlaySims Claw} because we've been in the business for so long, they know they are going to get quality shots.
PS: Being such a dominant force in the industry, you've had the opportunity to work with many women.
DM: Oh yea!
PS: Anything memorable happen in your career?
DM: Certainly! When you've had an extensive career such as I have, you tend to have some unusual events happen! This one time, I was working with this German model who didn't speak English very well. The director told her to stick her finger in my ass...well, she misunderstood and shoved the heel of her 6 inch pump right inside me!! That was definitely one of the most memorable times of my life!!
PS: WHOA! Any new models we should keep our eyes on?
DM: Actually, I just completed a shoot with Misty Raine. For a young girl she sure acts like a professional. Also, I know PlaySims is on the verge of signing a newcomer by the name of Cherri Ice. I won't tell you much about her, but damn...she's smoking!
PS: And now for my big question.
DM: Uh-oh...I don't think I like the sound of that!
PS: Seriously, Derrick, what happened between you and Valentine Vanderbilt?
DM: I knew this was going to come up!
PS: C'mon, we're all dying to know!
DM: The abridged version...if thats possible...Valentine and I dated for many years when she first came to PlaySims. I sort of showed her the ropes. We fell in love, moved in together and planned a future together. We only did photo shoots with each other...because of our love and because our chemistry was just that damn good. But when lagging sales befell the company, Maxine wanted to go in a different direction. She had me do a shoot with the then newly-hired Coco Gotham. That magazine boosted sales 10 fold! That issue went on to become one of the best selling issues of all time. But, Valentine didn't know about the shoot until the magazine hit the stands.
PS: And was it all downhill from there?
DM: Pretty much. There was jealousy and accusations. Valentine almost left the business.
PS: Really?
DM: Yep. The only thing that kept her around was the fact that she won her Kitten of the Year for the second year in a row.
PS: Is it true that Valentine vowed to never do a photo shoot with you or Coco ever again?
DM: I don't know how much of that is true, but V and I haven't been photographed together in nearly five years. If you see all of V's shots, she's mostly solo or with other women...that's what works best for her. As for her vow about Coco...well...you gotta ask V about that one...all I'm saying is...when was the last Valentine Vanderbilt/Coco Gotham pictoral??
PS: Vvvveeerrryy interesting scoop, Derrick! :) Are there any hard feelings between you and Ms. Vanderbilt?
DM: Nope. It's water under the bridge. We embrace hello at parties or on location...we've grown up. She has her career and I have mine. We're very respectful of each other.
PS: Ya know, I think it's amazing how not an issue goes by that you're not featured in! You've been in a total of 156 issues!
DM: That's funny. I see so many women and girls come and go, and the only constant has been me. I feel very fortunate.
PS: No, Derrick, I think WE'RE the fortunate ones! You look better than ever!! Any last words on keeping fit, healthy, and "young?"
DM: Hmmm...good question...I'd have to say this: eat your vegetables, get plenty of sleep, and NEVER STOP BANGING!!
