Derek S. Boyd is one of Michelle's friends later in the series. He appears in nine episodes throughout seasons six through eight. Michelle first meets Derek in the episode "The Play's the Thing", when he gets the role of Yankee Doodle in their school play America the Beautiful. Though Michelle is initially jealous of Derek for winning the part over her (due in no small part to the fact that both of her sisters played "Yankee Doodle"), she helps him recover from stage-fright, and they eventually become friends. Derek is very educated and well-spoken for a boy of his age, though also a bit on the wimpy side. He also shows signs of being a bit obsessive-compulsive. As shown in several episodes, he is also a very talented singer. He says he blends in with his surroundings.