Mahmud Junit bin Derani or more commonly known as Mahmud June was born on 20 January 1921 in Alor Ganu, Kg. Titi Gajah, Alor Setar, Kedah. He was a veteran actor, well-known and respected by the community, especially those in the film world.
He received his early education at the Titi Gajah Malay School, Alor Setar, Kedah until he completed his Standard III. He married Datin Mahrom binti Abdul Ghani, a housewife. They were blessed with 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls.

Experience

• Started his career as an actor in 1936
  
• Joined several Opera Groups (Bangsawan) known as Grand Nooran Opera, Seri Nooran Opera, Rubis Opera, Royal Star Opera, United Opera, Grand Jubilee Opera and M. June Opera
  
• Acted in his first local film, titled "Slippery Man (Orang Licin)", directed by Dato' L. Krishnan (1957)
  
• Acted in more than 40 films, which among others include "Orang Minyak", "Seri Mersang", "Jalak Lenteng", "Da Di Du", "Langit Petang", "Raden Mas", "Hang Jebat", "Megat Terawis", "Nasib Do Re Mi", "Siti Payung", "Abang 92", "Selubung", Layar Lara" and many more.

When he was younger, Mahmud June was often offered to play bad, serious and despicable characters. However, as he grew older, he was given to act as the elderly and other suitable characters.

During the Studio Jalan Ampas era in Singapore, Mahmud June learned a lot from and shared his experiences with the leading actors of that era, which included the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Nordin Ahmad, S. Kadarisman, Normadiah and others. Such opportunities helped him to improve his acting ability.

In appreciation of his ability in acting and his long involvement in the acting world, he received several awards. Among them were the 'Best Actor' award from SENIMAN in 1974, the 'Best Supporting Actor' award at the first Malaysian Film Festival held in 1980, the 'Best Male Supporting Actor' award from Anugerah Perdana Cipta in 1982 and the
' Best Veteran Actor' award in 1986.

Apart from that, Dato' Mahmud also received the 'Veteran Actor' award as well as the "Special Jury Award" at the 6th Malaysian Film Festival. In appreciation of his enormous contributions towards the local film industry, he was bestowed with several honours and awards which among others include the 'Ahli Mangku Negara' (1986), the 'Ahli Mahkota Kedah' (1987) and the 'Dato' Setia DiRaja Kedah' which carried the title Dato' by the Sultan of Kedah in 2001.

Dato' Mahmud June passed away on 14th Feb. 2002.