John Derek was an American actor, director, and photographer, born on August 12, 1926, in Hollywood, California. He began his career in the 1940s, appearing in films such as All the King's Men and The Ten Commandments. Over time, he transitioned to directing, with notable works including Flesh and Bolero. Derek was also known for his high-profile marriages, particularly to actress Ursula Andress and later to actress Bo Derek. His relationship with Bo Derek, which began in the late 1970s, garnered significant media attention. John Derek passed away on May 22, 1998, in Santa Maria, California.