Neil Hope
Philip Neil Hope (24 September 1972 – c. 18 November 2007), better known and credited as Neil Hope, was a Canadian actor who was best known for portraying Derek "Wheels" Wheeler on the CBC teen drama series Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High from 1987 to 1991, and Robin "Griff" Griffiths in The Kids of Degrassi Street from 1985 to 1986. He also reprised the role of Wheels for two episodes of Degrassi: The Next Generation in 2001 and 2003.
Neil Hope | |
|---|---|
Hope during production of Degrassi Talks in 1991 | |
| Born | Philip Neil Hope September 24, 1972 Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | c. November 18, 2007 (aged 35) Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1985–1992, 2003 |
| Partner | Christina Boulard (1998–2001) |
After Degrassi High concluded in 1991, Hope struggled with alcoholism and diabetes, and often lacked money. He kept sporadic contact with his family until 2005. He was found dead in a rooming house on November 25, 2007, with his family, ex-castmates, and the public unaware of his death until nearly five years later, in early 2012; Hope was 35 at the time of his death.