Beach man appears in movie opening nationally

VIRGINIA BEACH

L. Derek Leonidoff felt the hand of something greater when he was cast in "Letters to God," a faith-based movie that opens in local theaters and nationwide on today.

Leonidoff is an adjunct professor who teaches improvisation and acting at Regent University, and a professional actor. A Hampton Roads native, he graduated from Salem High School in 1993 and earned a degree in theater from James Madison University.

Acting seems to be in Leonidoff's blood - his grandfather was vice president in charge of Production at Radio City Music Hall for 42 years and his mother was a Radio City Music Hall Rockette.

While vacationing in Orlando last year, Leonidoff was asked to audition for the film, "Letters to God." He was cast in the role of Pastor Andy Dugger.

Produced by Possibility Pictures and rated PG, the film is based on the true story of the late Tyler Doherty, an 8-year-old boy in Tennessee who was diagnosed with cancer and wrote letters to God.

"He puts them in the mailbox and the mailman is supposed to throw them in the dead-letter bin," said Leonidoff, 34. "But, instead he opens them, reads them and it changes his life."

The story is a heartfelt tale of inspiration, hope and redemption that shows how one boy's walk of faith and one man's search for meaning intertwine and the journey that touches everyone around them.

Leonidoff lost his own mother to cancer 13 years ago and felt inspired to do the film because of her.

"Just like Tyler, I want people to believe," Leonidoff said.

He believes so strongly in the film's message - to establish Communities of Hope - that he participated in the screening tour by traveling to 50 cities since January.

"I was only home on weekends," said Leonidoff, who is not teaching until the fall.

"No matter where you are with your walk with God and if you're asking questions, I think this can be a great film for you. At the end, you'll feel inspired and uplifted," Leonidoff said. "It's an honor to be part of a project that's so large and do something so much larger than I am."

Sandra J. Pennecke, Pennecke@cox.net