Derwin was featured in a high-profile storyline: the elaborate George Rawlins murder mystery as the scheming psychotic serial killer.

The main plot of the show is Derwin's character's 15-year old daughter having a child after a one night stand at a summer band camp and the developments this event has on those around her.

Derwin became romantically involved with costar Beth Ehlers during his stint at GL; the couple decided to leave the show together in 1993.

Derwin returned to daytime television in the role of Dr. Ben Davidson on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live (1999–2002, 2004, 2008).

In 2009 he had a recurring role on season 7 of 24 as Secretary of State Joe Stevens, a member of President Allison Taylor's (played by Cherry Jones) Cabinet.