Neil Hope Interview on W5 [2005]

This is a clip of actor Neil Hope (Derek "Wheels" Wheeler) talking with co-star Stefan Brogren on CTV's W5 show titled "The Degrassi Story." The episode aired September 17, 2005.

[@timrhicks1234]

Wheels was awesome and Neil portrayed him perfectly. RIP Neil Hope

[@James-fd2gg]

Oops you hear that the engine just died

[@natashakay6555]

I started watching this show in middle school in the United States. I never knew that the show was being filmed in Canada. I just felt close to the characters and the storylines were relatable, and the characters felt more like my classmates/friends than the ones I really had in real life. I love this show. It will forever be a part of my childhood. Rest in Peace Neil 🙏

[@mayakern26]

I always loved the way Wheels said his 'L's He still said them the same in that video :)

[@aaronvaldes3104]

Wow. That is so sad. So young and talented.

[@Heyheyhaleyd]

I just finished "Degrassi Junior High"/"Degrassi High" two days ago. And I felt like they did the character Wheels so dirty! He was like the only one that had a really bad ending, besides Lucy. I also saw another interview where the guy who played Joey Jeremiah didn't have a positive experience with Zit Remedy/playing that one song over & over again either. Also RIP Neil

[@justusphillips2480]

Degrassi was used to show us all what children have to deal with in their everyday lives not all children are going to escape out to a better life.

[@tobyclutterbuck1085]

He was dead two years after this interview

[@danklies9606]

wish he'd been back anywhere between s5-s7 like he wanted

[@lukefender2394]

RIP Neil Hope

[@nobloodforfoil]

1:35 I used to live in the girls grouphome down a few streets when 'Wheels' worked at the MoneyMart on 5th and lakeshore.... RIP Neil... :'(

[@jaykaye7025]

vomitinyourface did you ever meet him?

[@ScottyDoezntKnow]

RiP Neil "Wheels" Hope...

[@dongdongvu1]

@wcoleman99 very strange situation...why did they wait 5 years and diabetes isn't fatal

[@chrisxavier3147]

They didn’t find out right away, and diabetes can definitely be fatal as you get older

[@louiej5]

Why was his voice so raspy then?

[@jaykaye7025]

louiej5 he sounds a bit like a new yorker In my opinion

[@Danimal77]

@@jaykaye7025 WHAT? No he doesn't. It's 100% a CANADIAN accent. You must not be Canadian or American. Btw, the right answer to the person's question is because he was an alcoholic who lived a rough life.

[@Danimal77]

Alcohol and living a hard life (in and out of shelters).

[@jfryza]

@@Danimal77 He only spent a very short time in a shelter. A lot of time in rooming houses, staying at friends' and relatives' places.

[@thevoice464]

The zit remedy.....

[@arricammarques1955]

Two years later, Neil would be gone....sad end to a great casting on DH.

[@jaykaye7025]

totally agree , he would have done well in Hollywood as an actor, he was very talented

[@arricammarques1955]

Support would have been ideal with such cases, similar to Neil.

[@jaykaye7025]

Fidel Yes it would , If he had support he would have probably been alive and acting today and possibly living in the USA

[@Hulk2k6]

And nobody would know about it for nearly 5yrs.

[@laminage]

Yes, look at Paul Peterson from The Donna Reed Show, he saw how cruel the Industry can be towards Kids so he created a Support Group called "A Minor Consideration" where Child Stars Of The Past counsel the "Current" Crop on how to handle Fame. When New Kids On The Block were in their Prime, alot of Past Teen Idols who were where they were in the not too distant past gave them words of caution. From staying on top of their business, learning to do things like cooking and Laundry something that Jon Knight only learned to do after New Kids broke up. I wish Paul could have talked to him, it could have made a world of difference, did you know that he even lived in Detroit, MI for a hot minute and worked for Motown Records.

[@SandiByrd]

My childhood was so wrapped up in this show it seriously hurts my heart to know how it ended up for Neil. RIP

[@thetarantella69]

Me too

[@jakebluethunder]

He will be missed. I grew up watching Degrassi and thought his character was one of the best. He was a great actor.

[@jaym-bu3cr]

jakebluethunder he would have done well on American and British television

[@C-mac_in_the_6ix]

It's extremely sad that nobody knew he died for 5 years.

[@cafeaulaitk]

So sad to hear about his death and when they showed the clips of 'everybody wants something' and he sang along it brought tears to my eyes. He had a tough life and in particular his childhood was tragic. Alcohol wrecks so many lives on the sly. May he rest in peace.

[@kattysuzzette4149]

Rest in peace Neil Hope :'(

[@aheartlikethesea]

I'm so sad that he passed on :-(

[@RocketmanRockyMatrix]

diabetes

[@LanceCampeau]

I really looked like Neil Hope when I was a teenager (hair, glasses, nose, etc)... Oddly enough, we both went bald young... Its so strange to look at him in this interview because in 2005 we pretty much still looked the same even into adulthood. Still thinking about you in 2019 bud.

[@jaykaye7025]

I don't think he was totally bald he thinned slightly, great actor though

[@Danimal77]

The 3 main male actors all went bald.

[@stefuhni]

Way to focus on the point of the comment, guys (jay and Dan). Lance, I'm glad you didn't end up like him even if you looked like him. Blessings 🙏🏻

[@BlueJWay999]

I always thought he looked like my cousin. He had the same blonde mullet and huge glasses.

[@oooh19]

@@Danimal77 men arent judged so harshly for how they look

[@katherinemillhouse7365]

So glad i found this little interview! I also wish there was another season after school's out. It made me sad how Wheels Snake and Joey's frienship ended 😑

[@northernb1085]

Katherine Briggs look up the The Next Generation episode with the three of them reunited !

[@jfryza]

Here is the clip. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4WclZyelN6AsKM

[@adrianpink8144]

This is so heartbreaking knowing he passed two years later. And thinking that maybe if the show had gone on it could’ve saved his life. He was an amazing actor and sounds like he was a wonderful person. Rest In Peace Neil. 😢❤️

[@TheMKEWERBY]

Indeed. Hurtful to know!

[@michaellang7908]

Best Canadian show ever! So glad I was a kid in the 80’s

[@kja9881]

Hi I am from the states Duluth Minnesota and this show, Degrassi is the greatest produced show for young people ever in my opinion!

[@dijonayjones4541]

wheels was fine back in his day RIP

[@Danimal77]

You can hear it in his voice that he wasn't healthy. It sounded weak, tired and weathered and he was really thin. Poor guy was living in shelters and died not long after this interview, at the age of 35, which is VERY young.

[@cherieagleson]

What I would like to know is if the cast knew about his problems and his home life, did they try to get him help with AA or something like that... or did they just ignore it????

[@miap]

The way his life and ended up and how he died sounds very suspicious to me… It’s like the people in his life left him to self-distrust.

[@oooh19]

know what is weird? I'll be turning 35! feeling old but know what? still young. also most of the original degrassi tng cast all us millennials are in our 30s now! yikes! i still feel the same as 21 at times though lol

[@jaymiller6009]

@miap What people in his life are you referring to exactly? Do you go around checking on the physical and mental health of your old coworkers and neighbours and then do whatever is necessary and pay whatever costs are required to get them the help they need? If you are not doing those things; why not? “SoMeBOdY SHoULD HaVe DoNe SOmEtHiNG!!!!” lol!

[@I-am-Veritas]

RIP Neil... Woke up this morning thinking about you today and just want you to know we all love and miss you! Rest in peace brother

[@wingsandash]

He's hiding a lot of pain here. It's obvious to me. He's trying hard not to show it. What a wonderful person he was. RIP, Neil.

[@lockandloadlikehell]

He definitely is It's hard when you feel like you have to lie to maintain a show of strength and positivity when you're in such dire need of help.

[@a-hafangirl]

I always thought it would've been cool if they had brought Wheels back as a recurring character on TNG like they did Snake, Joey, Spike, and Caitlin. It would've been great to see Wheels interact with the kids on TNG.

[@jaykaye7025]

Robyn Wellman totally agree

[@ldkusa71]

Especially if Wheels came back as an at-risk teen counselor and was advising Sean during Sean's downward spiral.

[@taylorspace9776]

And now he's dead...

[@nderohan]

wheels could've been a substitute teacher or a music teacher for the band, sadly he passed, rip Neil!

[@myjumpsuittakesmeshigh2022]

I feel like that could have saved his life..

[@TheMarkCraig]

Rest In Peace "Wheels"

[@laminage]

Yeah. God Bless. I heard that both his parents were Alcoholics in Real Life. Then he's an Alcoholic and Diabetic in Real Life.

[@alexf9901]

Such a realistic and open interview.

[@kevystead]

R.I.P Wheels! We all loved you growing up with Degrassi

[@gregpatterson2829]

I've watched all the episodes and I would say he was the best to watch. He portrayed emotions well and the writers knew this. He had some of the best scenes and episodes.

[@powerplayermvp23]

RIP Neil "Wheels"Hope.. you are missed greatly, thank you for the great memories

[@Unicornsandufos]

Wheels is one of the best original characters of the Degrassi series. Not to mention he was a great actor. RIP Wheels we love you mann

[@CanadiAnnie]

Miss you Neil!

[@cilluzza08]

This is really sad! Rest in peace Neil!

[@pdottie212fu]

Only 2 years later..... Still can't believe it.... Neil Hope

[@TheDigitalPillars]

Such a nice guy.

[@jaykaye7025]

I heard he was a nice down to earth man as well,, im from the UK but i have not heard anything negative , all positive

[@ssm85ytp]

R.I.P Neil Hope

[@emoney9650]

Wish this guy was still with us . RIP my brother .

[@souvlaki9951]

RIP Neil Hope. You did an amazing job as a great character. You really are being missed greatly

[@bmoshareholderappleshareho855]

Yes, he was a very good actor. RIP Neil.

[@rolandronald3178]

By some accounts, Neil wasn't the easiest guy to be around towards the end of the show and shortly after it wrapped up. The rest of the cast were apparently fine and Neil would join them at parties but problems would arise. It sounded like enough negative situations happened to where it got to the point that Neil wasn't really invited around to future gatherings and Neil's tether to Degrassi was ultimately severed. As we now know, things went downhill from there. It would have been wonderful if they had tried to give Neil a bit more of a chance on TNG other than a couple of cameos. What an absolute shame for both him and us. He'd definitely still be here if he could have been brought back into the Degrassi fold. It's totally understandable that anyone would want to escape from their adolescent stereotype, but this interview shows that he was clearly ready to make amends. Hell, I wouldn't want to be pigeonholed as Wheels either, but he was ready to do it again. Sadly, he got a bit too big for his britches and didn't treat people properly when he was younger. Many of us have made similar mistakes. It would have been nice of the producers to be a bit more forgiving. It would have also lined their pocketbooks more heavily if Wheels was brought back as a main character.

[@Danimal77]

His cameo (the first of only two) in the reunion show (first and second episode of the next generation) was actually omitted/cut entirely when aired in the US. It was only shown in Canada.

[@thefungoden3978]

Some nice shots here of The Ambassador Bridge and Detroit Rock City.

[@jamminmusicman]

rip neil hope he was one of my favorites from degrassi so sad to hear what happened to him he will be missed ....

[@nvkulk]

Rip iron sheik

[@chad9797]

RIP Neil "Wheels" Hope!

[@LanceCampeau]

Neil... why did you have to go?

[@pgroadhouse6894]

“Snake ... relax. Trust me.”

[@snapdoodle12]

does anyone know where i can see the whole W5 doc?

[@bevmcleod]

Wow loved this…hard to believe he is gone Rip Neil aka Wheels 😢💔

[@atrealdino6667]

One of the best characters actor on old Degrassi high drama show i was surprised to hear he passed away at age 35 . Way to young seemed like a good soul didn't know Neil Young. But enjoy watching the 1988 89 90 91 episodes with Neil playing the character Derek/ wheels wheeler de Grassi jr high not a bad actor 4 the cheapest budget show Canadian film media. Not United States of America lol rip

[@karlc2869]

Neil had a rough life. R.I.P. Wheels.

[@imogenatwell4851]

Wow. He really was an angel in disguise. Now he is up there with the real angels :((( RIP

[@cherieagleson]

Happy Belated Birthday Neil. Thank you for all of your beautiful talents that you gave to the world. We love you and miss you!

[@juanitajones7169]

This breaks; my, heart. How can, 'The Most Happiness Country'; turn their backs; on such a; kind, soul?

[@RebelWithoutAPause777]

Wheels was a gangster

[@Del-Canada]

Neil was a cousin of an ex of mine. I never met him tho. He was already deceased by the time we started dating. Rest in peace, Neil.

[@slantedandenchanted.1992]

I just found out he died. I was watching Degrassi and wondering what happened to some of my favorites. Neil seemed like a super likeable guy. Handsome too. ❤

[@dalemcilwain]

Neil Hope was one of the originals from "Kids Of Degrassi Street". No wonder he said he worked 10 years. The DJH/DH series were about 6 years. KODS was about 4 years.

[@Danimal77]

Actually, KODS ran for 7 years, from 1979 to 1986. I don't think he was there in the first episode, but probably was as of 1982, so year, a good decade with the "Degrassi" franchise.

[@dalemcilwain]

@@Danimal77 Neil came on by the 4th or 5th short

[@veggieoilerfan2940]

Neil must have really had some lousy paying jobs if he referred to acting as the “good money.” From what I have heard, actors don’t exactly get wealthy from Canadian television.

[@MsTinkerbelle87]

Awe that accent💕 So sad.

[@BurtBowers]

I bought season one of this show years ago. sad was a very young man we just never know we see someone one day their gone the next day...

[@maxnoerenberg6370]

amazing that you found this little gem........Neil looked quite the same back then as when he played Wheels......except for the lack of hair ha ha ha ( just like Joey "Pat Mastroianni" Jeremiah ) just a pity that he passed away two years after this interview.......and even got totally forgotten for about five more years.

[@BlueDestinyCC]

His voice is harsh, sounds like he's been hitting the bottle for some time two years before his death here. Pretty tragic - he leaves a legacy that's still going strong as a Degrassi universe founder.

[@laminage]

Yes, it reminded me of The Late Anne Kirkbride who's voice got very deep but it was due to her Cigarette Smoking.

[@JoJoMaMa_]

Sad that he passed. Wheels was my favorite! Snake, Joey and Wheels were the best.

[@Mntguy-nr9vl]

You never know what someone is going through. Hard to believe in too short years he would die like a vagrant alone. He looked good here he really did.

[@HONEYINK7]

Rest in peace...

[@calgaryramblerreloaded]

Flash forward to now, . you know what's painful is is knowing the fact that Neil died the way he did in a rooming house... alone in Hamilton Ontario, Only seconded by the fact that his family and their grief process process forgot about the fan base and we found out over a year later ,..after Neal's passing. Painful situation all the way around ,and yes Neil we do miss you, Rest in peace.

[@mazapandust]

RIP neil. you are loved.

[@richardhunt6378]

I think the degrassi movie really fucked his character up

[@lasherragreen5162]

He didn't look bad here. I had to look this up when I saw that he had a final interview. I'm so sorry that he wet out the way that he did.

[@kaledadam3955]

Too bad Joey wasn’t there. He looks like he was happy to see Stefan. I read after this his life went downhill and he ended up passing away two years later

[@apesce1]

So very sad.

[@JPH-ow5mq]

Rest in peace Neil.... 💜

[@bbyzuzu]

I luv wheels ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@GreyHairGirl]

I'm surprised no one's made a documentary about Neil Hope

[@cherieagleson]

It would be very nice if Oprah or A&E did a documentary about his life. I do agree with you GlamRoomGirl, especially since Neil would have been 50 years old this year.

[@GreyHairGirl]

@@cherieagleson yes absolutely, RIP Neil Hope

[@kellster00]

Rest In Peace Neil

[@JuliusCaesar888]

Rest in peace Neil, one of the best characters on that show.

[@bmoshareholderappleshareho855]

I agree. He was one of the best characters on the show.

[@laminage]

Neil Hope's Real Life Parents were Alcoholics, and on the Show his Parents are killed by a Drunk Driver. I wish they had done an Episode where Wheels meets the person who killed them or even better yet have Wheels meet the Family of The Little Boy he killed.

[@ldkusa71]

Not to mention an episode of Degrassi: The Next Generation where Wheels appeared as a counselor for Sean when Sean's life was spiraling out of control.

[@dominiquee901]

ldkusa71 when did this happen?

[@schneiderjudit2650]

may He be with our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Through Him their is eternal life.

[@talisaanibie8988]

wheels Was my favorite in degrassi

[@jfryza]

Dailymotion has it in 5 parts.

[@im10pplok]

i was six days older than Neil. RIP buddy.

[@r2Gt06]

Always in our hearts, man. Thank you 💚🙏

[@Bernie3000]

I don’t understand the term “natural causes” for someone who is/was 35. Is that a heart attack? I don’t think natural causes should apply to someone under the age of 70. Maybe I’m being naive or just saddened by the passing of the man who played Wheels. RIP Neil Hope

[@emerybayblues]

"In simple terms, refer to internal factors - like a medical condition or a disease - as opposed to external factors, like trauma from an accident. In other words, could be anything from cancer to heart disease to diabetes" www.livescience.com/60787-what-is-death-by-natural-causes.html He had a heart attack.

[@adrianpink8144]

@@emerybayblues actually he was unable to keep up with his insulin shots for his diabetes because of his alcoholism. Really tragic 😓 bangordailynews.com/2012/02/19/news/degrassi-actor-neil-hope-died-5-years-ago-says-fiancee/

[@ElectoneGuy]

Damn, what a sad end for Neil.

[@unfuzzy]

what's sad about it? he seems ok with his life. not everybody can stay "famous".

[@Videocipher]

@@unfuzzy I think he means the fact he died alone in a boarding house 2 years after this interview was filmed.....not to be known even by his family untill like 5 years later

[@unfuzzy]

@@Videocipher - i think you're thinking of the show. wheels died in that car crash in the degrassi movie "summer's out", remember? god that takes me back...

[@Videocipher]

@@unfuzzy i think he went to jail didn't he...lol

[@unfuzzy]

@@Videocipher- I don't remember that part. i just remember the funeral and all that. he was like the first major degrassi character to die. well that is if you don't include claude (remember him?)

[@TeishaRiley]

rest in peace

[@bmoshareholderappleshareho855]

That episode where Wheels's parents got killed was very sad. There were tears in my eyes when I watched that episode.

[@needyjenn]

this is unbelivable he died aww Neil omg R.I.P

[@HarryPotter87]

Such a bittersweet moment. Not long before his tragic and untimely passing. 💔

[@stormindminor]

He was a good actor - RIP Neil Hope

[@yankeegirl3380]

Neil looked and sounded great here.

[@piranhaowner1967]

RIP Neil…Thank You for Your Great Legacy you Gave Us ..As Neil and Wheels ❤❤❤❤❤

[@charliesmith3859]

The memories are pouring back. RIP Wheels.

[@amybukouras5179]

He was so cute then and now in this video and relatable

[@cherieagleson]

He was my favorite and yes he was very handsome.

[@Laladust]

He passed away 2 years later, and nobody knew for 5 years.....RIP Neil Stefan:"I'm gonna cry" Me too mate.

[@cherieagleson]

It has already been 15 years since Neil has been gone. =(

[@ericainchains5806]

Neil Hope: Jack of all Trades.

[@selinaogorman8380]

Rest In Peace Neil hope (Wheels) I do miss him whenever I watch the older degrassi always will be apart of degrassi family and yes he really played wheels amazingly very talented.

[@MM-lt5bk]

I still feel that’s some bullshit to put a kid through that storyline after his real life father died.

[@Danimal77]

I agree. Apparently both his parents were alcoholics too, so they incorporated that into his storyline, but had him be the alcoholic, of which he became in real life.

[@cherieagleson]

Actually Neil said in another interview that doing the death of his parents episode on the show helped him deal with the loss and grief he had about his real life father passing away.