Michael McDerman (born August 10, 1977) is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and podcast host.
Early life McDerman was born in Manhattan to a Portuguese American family. He attended Baruch College graduating in 2006 with a bachelor's degree. While in college, he worked as an actor and drag queen.Crockett, Thomas. "Queen of Baruch" The Ticker (USA) May 16, 2005, pg. 10.
Career On September 16, 2003, McDerman appeared as his self-created alter ego, who he originated and portrayed, Carmella Cann, a drag queen judge on an episode of Ricki Lake entitled "How Straight Is He?" He has hosted many live events as Carmella Cann, including Rhode Island International Film Festival and The Original LGBT Expo in New York City.
He appeared on an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit entitled "Brotherhood" in the role of Tyler Henry, a local fraternity pledge master that is sodomized and murdered, aired on January 6, 2004. Also, in 2004 he was in the stage play by H.M. Koutoukas, Ring of Death in the role of Vicar and Maid, at Theater for the New City, New York City. He has had an appearance on A&E (TV channel) 15 Films About Madonna, Z Rock, Viralcom, Under the Pink Carpet, One Life to Live, and the film's Voodoo You Believe and A Four Letter Word, directed by Casper Andreas. He appeared in 2006 in the television commercial for the New York Comedy Festival, alongside Jim Norton. He was featured in the book Straight Talk with Gay Guys: What Girlfriends Can't Tell You and Straight Men Won't by: Daylle Deanna Schwartz.
In 2008, McDerman used the screen name Michael Ferreira, when he wrote, produced, and starred in the semi-autobiographical short film It's Me, Matthew! as the title character, alongside the renowned Michael Musto.Mano, Henrique. MICHAEL FERREIRA TEMS ORIGENS EM MANGUALDE – Luso-americano que faz carreira como actor aventura-se agora an realização – É semi-autobiográfica a primeira curta-metragem que assina como realizador de cinema (MICHAEL FERREIRA HAVE CHANGES IN Mangualde – Luso-American who is acting career adventure is now an achievement – is semi-autobiographical short film first signing as film director). Luso-Americano (USA) June 27, 2008, Iss. 3515, pp. 1, 11. Retrieved 2016-01-19. In 2013, he was the theatre director for the Off-Off-Broadway stage play by Jean Bergantini Grillo, That Afternoon at Fred Campballs at Times Square Art Center, in New York City. Cann is scheduled to Host the Original LGBT Expo in March 2016.
In 2023, McDerman launched In The Cann With Carmella Cann, a biweekly podcast that blends drag culture with political commentary and entertainment. The show addresses current events, politics, and pop culture, featuring a drag-themed format. New episodes are released regularly and are available on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Pandora (service), Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, and Manhattan Neighborhood Network. The podcast has featured notable guests such as former New York State Senator Tom Duane and actor, screenwriter, playwright Charles Busch.
Education McDerman holds a Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Weissman School of Arts and Sciences at Baruch College.
Filmography + Television and Film Year Title Role Notes1999TrickDancer(Film)2002One Life to LiveMan Diner(TV Series), 1 episode: "Episode #1.8978"2003Sex and the CityGay Guy #2 (uncredited)(TV Series), 1 episode: "Hop, Skip, and a Week"2004Marie and BruceYvonne(Film)Law & Order: Special Victims UnitTyler Henry(TV Series), 1 episode: "Brotherhood"2005Voodoo You BelieveAdrian(Short film)200615 Films About MadonnaMadonna - American Life(TV Series), 1 episode: "Pilot"2007A Four Letter WordTess Tickles (credited as Michael Ferreira)(Film)2008Z RockStylist(TV Series), 1 episode: "Episode #1.7"It's Me, Matthew!Matthew / Ms. Cann (credited as Michael Ferreira)(Short film)ViralcomCarmella Cann (credited as Carmella Cann)(TV Series), 1 episode: "You Got Yourself 30 Seconds"The Accidental HusbandCake Consultant (uncredited)(Film)2023-2025In The Cann with Carmella CannCarmella Cann (Host)(Podcast Series), 30 episodes
Published works McDerman, wrote "Leading Ladies: A brief history of gay culture and its Founding Mothers" published in Next Magazine (New York City) (USA) June 19, 2006, pg. 28–29.
Awards McDerman, in 2008 shared a Juror Award at West Hollywood International Film Festival for the short film It's Me, Matthew!
References
Further reading Calabria, Karen. Karaoke With the Fabulous Carmella Cann. Bay News (USA) November 3, 2003, Vol. 44, Iss. LV3, pg. 5.
External links Carmella Cann Official Website
Carmella Cann at Spotify