Desmond “Dehz” Donahue was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, in the vibrant Oak Cliff area of the DFW metroplex. With a deep passion for the entertainment industry, Dehz’s artistic journey began at a young age. Singing in choirs and performing in church productions, he discovered his love for storytelling and performance early on. His talent for writing music and screenplays further fueled his creative drive, setting the foundation for a multifaceted career.
Dehz pursued his education at Prairie View A&M University, North Lake College, and KD Studios, where he refined his craft and gained valuable industry experience. By the age of 21, Dehz made his mark as a recording artist in the R&B and Pop genres. With hit singles like “Click Off, Click On” and “Sedated” receiving airplay on K104 FM in the DFW market, he quickly gained recognition. His breakout moment came when a filmmaker noticed his music video, leading to his first acting role in a short film. This pivotal opportunity solidified his passion for acting and launched a promising career.
Dehz’s on-screen accomplishments include lead roles and significant appearances in highly regarded films and television productions. He played the lead villain in 8 Days, a film that highlights the issue of human trafficking, and appeared in projects like Carter High, Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots, Nate Parker’s The Birth of a Nation, Vampire Diaries, and Rings. Expanding his creative reach, Dehz also served as an Executive Producer for the impactful short film Every Vote.
His transformative experience portraying the antagonist in 8 Days left a lasting impression. Trained by the FBI for his role, Dehz developed a deeper understanding of human trafficking, inspiring him to create his feature film Mister Gates, which seeks to raise awareness about the issue. Further inspired by his collaboration with Nate Parker on The Birth of a Nation, Dehz founded Dondaga Films in 2018 to bring his directorial vision to life and empower stories that make a difference. To date, his feature film Mister Gates has won Best Feature Film at the Killeen Black Art & Film Festival in 2024 and nominated for several others.
Beyond the screen, Dehz is dedicated to social impact. He established the non-profit organization Feeding Your Future, which focuses on feeding and educating youth about film and technology. Through this initiative, he empowers young people to unlock their creative potential and make meaningful contributions to the world.
Committed to giving back, Dehz frequently speaks at local schools, including Ben Barber Innovation Academy in Mansfield, Texas. He shares his insights and experiences to inspire and equip the next generation with the tools to create lasting, positive change in their lives and communities.