Dexter Darden is a 34-year-old American actor and singer renowned for his roles as Frypan in The Maze Runner film series and Walter Hill in Joyful Noise.
In his personal life, Dexter Darden is married to fitness instructor Briah Nelson. The couple rekindled their relationship in 2023 and became engaged in December 2024.
Keep reading to learn more about his personal life, career journey, and the roles that have defined Dexter Darden success in the entertainment industry.
Who is Dexter Darden?
Dexter Darden is an American actor and singer. He is best known for playing Frypan in The Maze Runner film series, which includes The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, and The Death Cure.
He began his acting career in the mid-2000s. His early roles included appearances in films such as My Brother and Cadillac Records. He also acted in television shows like Minutemen, Cougar Town, and Victorious.
These early roles helped him gain experience and build a strong foundation in acting.
Furthermore, he appeared as DeVante Young in the Saved by the Bell reboot (2020–2021), where he played a talented student with a passion for music.
In 2023, he acted in Chang Can Dunk as DeAndre a basketball coach who helps guide the main character.
In 2024, he portrayed legendary boxer Muhammad Ali in the miniseries Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.
Apart from acting, Dexter Darden is also a skilled singer and musician. He often shares his music on social media and takes part in creative music projects.
He is known for his powerful performances and strong stage presence.
Moreover, he is involved in charity work. He supports the sickle cell community and works as a Celebrity Ambassador for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.
He joins awareness events and speaks up for people affected by the disease. Dexter continues to grow in his career by working in films, television, and music.
He is known for his talent, energy, and commitment to both entertainment and social causes.
Dexter Darden Childhood and Parents
Dexter Darden was born on June 24, 1991, is originally from Camden, New Jersey, and grew up in surrounding areas like Sicklerville and Williamstown.
He discovered his love for music and performing at a very young age. At just three years old, he began singing in his local church choir which helped develop his vocal talents early in life.
A major turning point came in 2000 after the death of his father. Following this loss, Dexter attended Paul Newman Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut a camp that supports children with serious illnesses.
Paul Newman himself noticed Dexter talent there and gave him opportunities to perform at charity galas and Broadway shows. These early experiences played a key role in launching his career in entertainment.
At the age of 15, Dexter began performing as a singer and dancer at Atlantic City casinos such as the Trump Taj Mahal. He became one of the youngest professional dancers ever hired in that setting.
Dexter performed in high-roller and variety shows. He also had an active interest in sports especially basketball. Dexter was born with sickle cell anemia a condition he has openly discussed.
Today, he serves as a Celebrity Advocate for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) where he helps raise awareness and offers support to others who live with the disease.
He was raised by his mother Patricia Darden often referred to as Mama Pat. She has played a strong role in his life and has supported his journey in both personal and professional ways.
Their close relationship has been highlighted in interviews and public appearances. There is no confirmed public information available about Dexter having any siblings.
Dexter Darden Age
Dexter Darden is 34 years old as of 2026 as he was born on June 24, 1991, in Camden, New Jersey, USA.
Despite being in his early thirties, he has already established a long-standing presence in the entertainment industry.
Starting his career at a young age, Darden gained recognition for his talent and has steadily grown into more mature and diverse roles over the years.
His age reflects both his youthful energy and the professional experience he brings to each project.
Dexter Darden Height and Weight
Dexter Darden is 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall and weighs around 80 kilograms (176 pounds). He maintains a fit and athletic build which suits his active roles on screen.
His warm smile and expressive eyes often earn him recognition for his charismatic presence. His fashion sense blends casual and stylish elements which makes him a standout at public appearances and red carpet events.
Dexter Darden Career
Dexter Darden is an American actor, singer, and musician known for his versatility in both film and television.
He began his acting career in 2006 with a role in the drama My Brother where he played Young Big Brother.
Over the next few years, he appeared in films such as Cadillac Records (2008), Standing Ovation (2010), and the Disney Channel movie Minutemen (2008).
He also made guest appearances on popular shows like Cougar Town and Victorious in 2010.
These early roles allowed him to develop his skills and gain experience across various genres.
In 2012, Dexter received widespread attention for his performance as Walter Hill in the musical comedy Joyful Noise, where he portrayed a young man with autism and a passion for music.
Critics praised his performance for its emotional depth and authenticity.
He gained further recognition when filmmakers cast him as Frypan in the 2014 film adaptation of The Maze Runner, based on the popular novel series by James Dashner.
He reprised this role in its sequels Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015) and Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018). This helped him gain a strong fan following.
His portrayal of Frypan a loyal and resourceful character solidified his place in mainstream cinema. Following his success in the Maze Runner series Dexter continued to explore a variety of roles.
He played Kelvin Kennedy in the historical drama Burden (2018), John Lewis in Son of the South (2020), and Hags in the Hulu comedy The Binge (2020), a role he reprised in the sequel The Binge 2: It is a Wonderful Binge (2022).
In 2023, he played DeAndre in Disney+ sports drama Chang Can Dunk. He took on a more serious role as a basketball coach and mentor.
He appeared in Half Baked: Totally High in 2024 and will portray Muhammad Ali in the upcoming miniseries Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. This role shows his continued growth as an actor.
On television, Dexter starred as Devante Young in the reboot of Saved by the Bell (2020–2021) where he played a musically talented and emotionally layered student.
The role allowed him to combine his acting and musical talents. He also appeared in earlier TV roles such as Chester in Minutemen, Bobby the Fish in Poor Paul (2009), and Nate in Victorious.
Beyond acting, Dexter is a passionate advocate for the sickle cell community. He also serves as a Celebrity Ambassador for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.
Dexter participates in events like the Annual National Convention and the Lonzie Lee Jones Symposium to raise awareness about the disease.
He actively supports Paul Newman Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a charity that helps children with serious illnesses. This involvement stems from his own experience as a former camper.
With more than a decade of work across film, television, music, and philanthropy, Dexter Darden continues to be a dynamic and impactful presence in the entertainment industry.
Dexter Darden Movies and TV Shows
Dexter Darden showcases his talent as an American actor through dynamic performances in both film and television.
Over the years, he has taken on a wide range of roles, from musical dramas to action-packed franchises and heartfelt comedies. Below is a complete list of his work across movies and TV:
Movies
- My Brother (2006)
- Cadillac Records (2008)
- Standing Ovation (2010)
- Joyful Noise (2012)
- Geography Club (2013)
- The Maze Runner (2014)
- Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015)
- Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)
- Burden (2018)
- To the Beat! (2018)
- Son of the South (2020)
- The Binge (2020)
- It’s a Wonderful Binge (2022)
- Chang Can Dunk (2023)
- Half Baked: Totally High (2024)
Television Shows
- Minutemen (2008, TV Movie)
- Poor Paul (2009)
- Cougar Town (2010)
- Victorious (2010)
- Strawberry Summer (2012, TV Movie)
- Making Moves (2016, Web Series)
- Hell’s Kitchen (2016, 2022)
- Saved by the Bell (2020–2021)
- Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (2024, Miniseries)
Is Dexter Darden in Victorious?
Yes, Dexter Darden appeared in the Nickelodeon series Victorious. He played the role of Nate in Season 1, Episode 8, titled Survival of the Hottest which originally aired on June 26, 2010.
In this episode, the main characters get stuck in a hot RV during a heatwave while Cat enjoys a beach party outside.
Dexter Darden Net Worth 2026
Dexter Darden has an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2026. His income mainly comes from his acting career where he has built a steady presence in the entertainment industry over the years.
In addition to acting, he is also involved in singing and dancing which adds to his earnings through live performances, guest appearances, and potential soundtrack contributions.
He has built a solid fan base on social media, especially on Instagram.
This digital presence not only boosts his popularity but also opens doors for sponsored posts, partnerships with lifestyle and fashion brands, and promotional deals.
While his main financial foundation is acting his versatility and public image contribute to a broader income stream and make him a multi-talented figure in the industry.
Dexter Darden Wife
Dexter Darden is married to fitness instructor and online coach Briah Nelson.
The couple officially tied the knot on February 14, 2025, in an intimate 1950s-themed wedding ceremony at their church fellowship in Monrovia, California.
The event was small and personal, attended only by their parents and officiated by pastors Albert and Larossa Tate.
Dexter wore a three-piece ivory suit and Briah wore a classic white dress. Their outfits reflected their shared love for vintage style and faith-centered values.
Their relationship began as a friendship back in 2016 and later evolved into a romantic connection in 2023.
Dexter proposed to Briah on December 8, 2024 during a heartfelt backyard proposal and they were surrounded by friends and family.
The proposal included an arch made of red and white roses and a glowing Will you marry me? sign.
Before getting engaged, the couple took part in pre-engagement counseling to build a stronger foundation rooted in faith and intentional growth.
Briah shares aspects of her wellness journey and personal life through her Instagram account @itsbriahbloom.
Looking ahead, the couple plans to expand their family, grow in their careers, and later celebrate with a larger wedding.
They also hope to travel to Asia together and they continue to build a life based on love, faith, and shared purpose.
Dexter Darden and JoJo
Dexter Darden and singer JoJo (Joanna Levesque) were previously in a relationship that began around mid-2020.
They kept their romance private at first but publicly announced their engagement on December 25, 2021.
Dexter proposed during a holiday getaway at the La Concha Resort in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he surprised JoJo by flying out their mothers and close friends to witness the special moment.
However, the couple ended their engagement in November 2022. Following the breakup, they unfollowed each other on social media and removed photos together.
Although the specific reasons for their split were not publicly confirmed, JoJo addressed her past relationship experiences in her 2024 memoir Over the Influence.
In the book, she spoke candidly about infidelity. She admitted she had been on both sides of it, though she did not name Dexter or directly tie these experiences to their relationship.
After parting ways with JoJo, Dexter Darden rekindled a relationship with fitness instructor Briah Nelson.
The two got engaged on December 8, 2024, and later married on February 14, 2025, in an intimate 1950s-themed ceremony held in Monrovia, California.
Are Dexter Darden and JoJo Still together?
No, Dexter Darden and JoJo are no longer together. They ended their engagement in late 2022, about a year after getting engaged. JoJo later hinted that the breakup was due to infidelity.
Social Media Presence
Dexter Darden stays connected with his fans through multiple social media platforms, where he shares updates about his career, personal life, and inspiring messages. Here are his official accounts:
- Instagram: @dexterdarden
- X (Twitter): @DexterDarden
- YouTube: Dexter Darden
- Threads: @dexterdarden
Conclusion
Dexter Darden has made a lasting impression in the entertainment industry through his talent, dedication, and versatility.
From standout roles in The Maze Runner series to heartfelt performances in Saved by the Bell and beyond, he continues to evolve as an actor and public figure.
Off-screen, his genuine personality, passion for storytelling, and strong connection with fans reflect his grounded character.
As he embraces new chapters in both his career and personal life, Dexter Darden remains a respected and inspiring figure in Hollywood.
Don’t forget to check out our next article! We’d love to hear your thoughts. Give your feedback on it.
Further Read: Campbell Puckett Biography
