David Kaff, the actor who portrayed bassist Derek Smalls in the iconic mockumentary “This Is Spinal tap,” has passed away. Kaff was a member of the fictional band Spinal Tap, performing alongside Christopher Guest and Michael McKean. He left the group by the end of 1984,shortly after the film’s release,but continued to play in other bands,including Oakland’s Model Citizens and san Francisco’s Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom.
Kaff expressed his fondness for the character of Derek Smalls and his recognition for the fans’ enduring love for the film. “I played him [Viv] very close to my heart, just a little bit dimmer,” he told BAM in 1991. “If people like that character, chances are they’ll like me.”
A sequel to “This Is Spinal Tap,” directed by Rob Reiner and featuring McKean, Harry Shearer, and Christopher Guest, is slated for release in September. Kaff was not involved in the production of the upcoming film.
