In American History X (1998), which actor played the former neo-Nazi Derek Vinyard?

Edward Norton played Derek Vinyard in American History X (1998), a drama about racism, imprisonment, and the possibility of rejecting extremist ideology.

Derek is a Los Angeles skinhead whose violent crimes lead to a prison sentence. During his imprisonment, he begins to question the beliefs and relationships that shaped his identity. After returning home, he tries to stop his younger brother Danny from following the same path.

Tony Kaye directed the film from a screenplay by David McKenna. Norton’s performance received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, and the role became one of the most prominent dramatic performances of his early career.

The film’s black-and-white flashbacks distinguish earlier events from the later storyline, although its structure moves between time periods. American History X is often discussed as an anti-racist film, but its depiction of extremist groups is intentionally severe and disturbing.