Derek Smalls — This Is Spinal Tap Character Profile

About Derek Smalls

Bassist and founding member. Suggests experimental jazz improvisations and composes 'Rockin' in the Urn.' Struggles with aging and band dynamics, attempts to pursue Didi, and ultimately confesses to Marty that he was the one who had an affair with Jeanine.

Affiliations

• Spinal Tap

Quick Facts about Derek Smalls

Occupation

bass guitarist

Derek Smalls's Known Relations

• Spinal Tap — Member of

Derek Smalls appears in 2 titles

• This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
• Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (2025) — character page

Character Facts

Played by

Harry Shearer

Appears in

This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

Role

Supporting

Relationships (3)

• Derek Smalls — Alliance Bandmate — Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest)

  Collaborative musicians who attempt to adapt when one member leaves mid-performance.

• Derek Smalls — Alliance Bandmate — David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean)

  Close collaborators who discuss the band's future and potential new ventures together.

• Derek Smalls — Professional Manager — Ian Faith (Tony Hendra)

  Derek accepts Ian's managerial role to facilitate the successful Japan tour.

Explore the full interactive character relationship map of This Is Spinal Tap

More characters from This Is Spinal Tap

• Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest)
• David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean)
• Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner)
• Morty the Mime (Billy Crystal)
• Angelo DiMentibelio (Sandy Helberg)
• Bobbi Flekman (Fran Drescher)
• Mime Waiter (Dana Carvey)
• Jeanine Pettibone (June Chadwick)
• Polly Deutsch (Anjelica Huston)
• Sir Denis Eton-Hogg (Patrick Macnee)
• Lt. Hookstratten (Fred Willard)
• Terry Ladd (Howard Hesseman)