Derek Thurston had a son named Jamie who was institutionalized. Derek was a hairdresser and cosmetologist who managed a salon in Genoa City called The Golden Comb. In 1976, Derek met Jill Foster when she was working as a manicurist at his salon. Jill and Katherine Chancellor fought over Derek. Derek was tricked into marrying Katherine by Kay herself after Kay had fallen in love with him. Katherine got Derek drunk and then married him. Derek was actually attracted to Kay's sworn enemy, Jill, but he decided to go along with Katherine. He knew he would gain wealth if he lived with her for a year and could then set up his own salon.