George Washington Portrayed by Dean Malissa

About

A life-long resident of Philadelphia, Dean has been a performer since childhood. After graduating with a degree in Communications, he entered the world of business – working his way from a junior salesman to the senior vice presidency of an international manufacturing firm. During those 25 years he traveled to all 50 states in America, every province in Canada, Mexico, much of Europe (including former Soviet Bloc countries), much of the Middle East and extensively in Asia. He happily and voluntarily left corporate America in 1999 and in “Act II” of his adult life – pursued acting as a profession. He has performed and continues to be cast in film, TV, commercial, radio, stage and voiceover productions.

As the official and sole George Washington historical actor at Mount Vernon (George Washington’s Estate & Gardens), Dean Malissa has become the most frequently sought-after portrayer of George Washington in the country. He has portrayed General Washington in many TV productions for The Discovery Channel, NBC, National Geographic Channel, Armed Force Network and the Showtime Network; appeared on CNN and many films, most recently the IMAX film “We the People” and the internet documentary “Now Debate This.” He just completed filming a PBS documentary: "Faith and America’s Founders," which will air nationally in Spring 2011.

He has appeared at a State Dinner at The White House, several Embassies, the Smithsonian Institution and its affiliates, the National Archives, National Portrait Gallery, Independence National Historical Park, Valley Forge National Historical Park, the National Constitution Center, the Betsy Ross House, Liberty Hall, the New York Historical Society, the Chicago Historical Society, Mount Rushmore National Monument and many historical venues throughout the original 13 states. He has also appeared in many of the remaining 37 states.

Malissa performed at sea onboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USN George Washington. As Washington, he has crisscrossed the nation from Arizona to Alabama from Michigan to Massachusetts, from Washington State to Washington, DC. He portrayed Washington throughout France and in Beijing, China. His portrayal of Washington takes him from classrooms to arenas… from film sets to appearances in front of millions.

When not “crossing the Delaware” Dean has pursued a wide range of avocations in his life including 22 years as a volunteer firefighter (working his way up to Deputy Fire Chief), a couple years as a crime lab photographer, advanced SCUBA diver certification, a 3rd degree black belt, stone sculpting, and treks by horse into the Teton and Gros Ventre wildernesses. He married his high-school sweetheart and he is blessed with two grown children.

Personnel

Dean Malissa: Principal

Influences

The life and times of George Washington himself... one of the most remarkable, productive, patriotic, virtuous and honorable humans in the history of mankind.

What to Expect

Typical Gig Duration: 5 - 600 minutes

Audiences and event attendees will suspend disbelief and experience an entertaining, edifying and educational meeting or program with America's iconic Founding Father. All appearances provide the opportunity to talk with, ask questions of and meet first-hand the Father of our Country.

Stage/Setup Requirements:
ALL preferred... NOT required: Wireless lapel microphone, 18th C looking wooden chair, 18th C looking small table, wine decanter, stemmed wine glass, cranberry juice in decanter

Additional Notes:
Technical requirements and stage setting vary venue by venue. In cases where microphones are required, a wireless CLIP-ON microphone is optimal.

Set/Song/Sequence List:
Performance content is specified by client.

Experience

2006: 131 gigs
2007: 142 gigs
2008: 132 gigs
2009: 120 gigs
2010: 91 gigs
2011: 112 gigs
2012: 109 gigs
2013: 56 gigs (so far)

Available for Your

Awards Night, Convention, Corporate Event, Cruise, Fair, Festival, Fundraiser, Hotel, Luncheon/Tea, Parade, Private Party, Seminar, Workshop

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