George Washington Portrayed by Dean Malissa

"On behalf of the Ligonier - 250th Anniversary Committee I write to thank you for having participated in our celebration. Your appearance in your first person characterization of George Washington was not only extraordinary, but your performances were very special events for our community and especially our children. You have our grateful appreciation."

– Charles A. Fagan, III, Chairman

"The whole town is still buzzing about the event. Your interpretation of Washington couldn't have been more real to us. Your bearing is just as we envision Washington to be."

– John M. Jenner, Sherman Connecticut Historical Society

"Just a note to say how much General Washington's presence enhanced last Saturday eveing's annual Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine assemblage. I, as well as all of the Good Knights and Gentle Ladies there, thoroughly enjoyed the added interest, sophistication and prestige you provided."

– Gordon W. Murchie, Supreme Knight; President Emeritus Virginia Wine Growers Assn.

"On behalf of the Fredericksburg Masonic community... thank you so much for your visit to George Washington's Mother Lodge. I have received many positive comments on your performance. Many indicated that it was the best program in memory."

– Jeff St. Onge, Worshipful Master

"Thank you so much for all your hard work to make Rushmore Live a huge success! You really went above and beyond (I know the schedule was tough) and we so appreciate it."

– Mandi Bird, Event Planner, Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies

"The crowning moment for me, though, was my Minuet with George Washington."

– E. Perlman, Reporter Washington Post

"Thank you so much for the wonderful role you played in the program. 'By George' they loved us!"

– Wm. Hanbury, President & CEO Washington DC Convention & Tourism Corp.

"Thank you for contributing to the success of the Leadership Training Institute. The participants enjoyed the opportunity to learn from such a dynamic trainer."

– C. Lumia, National League of Cities

"As serious living historians and reenactors, we are sticklers for historical accuracy to the smallest detail. Dean Malissa's portrayal of General George Washington is the best we've seen over the many years our group has been appearing at historical events. Mr. Malissa clearly has great depth of knowledge of his subject, easily seen in his performances, as well as in one-on-one conversations. The recreated First Virginia Regiment is always honored to take the field with his General Washington."

– Carl Gnam, Commander First Virginia Regiment

"Your Excellency! That was nothing short of an astounding performance. I can't thank you enough for sharing your knowledge, passion and yep, occasional humor with the Benstitute."

– Sandra Mackenzie Lloyd, Director, Benstitute, Once Upon A Nation

“Mr. Malissa portrayed a highly believable George Washington for the past two years during our annual George Washington celebration in February. His life-like mannerisms, costume, stature, southern voice inflection, and knowledge of the life of our first president provided a most entertaining docudrama for children and adults alike. He certainly made our event a critical success.”

– J. P. Goldman, The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry

"Dean is a true professional. He is very talented and historically accurate while being entertaining. Young and old have enjoyed his performances."

– Amy Needle, Executive Director, Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

“My company provides a full range of services to the film and television industry as well as other clients seeking 100% accurate, top quality living historians and professional historical actors. In his portrayal of George Washington, I have worked with Dean Malissa repeatedly. He is an absolute professional who meets our rigorous standards in all regards. He is excellent at assuring that Directors get the exact shot they want. His knowledge of his character, his look, demeanor and actions deliver a completely believable George Washington. You better believe that when Historical Entertainment is in need of Washington, Dean always gets the first call. There is none better!”

– Russell E. Richards Jr., Historical Entertainment, LLC

“Dean Malissa is a consummate professional -- always on time and always eager to go above and beyond. Dean breaths incredible accuracy and realism when he portrays our greatest founding father George Washington. I've used Dean for two projects for the Discovery Channel and Showtime Networks and for both shows he did an exceptional job. I highly recommend using him for any project.”

– Joshua E. Kessler, Emmy Nominated Producer

Personal Letter

“I should have written to you earlier to tell you how much I enjoyed meeting you and also enjoyed your talk. I hope to catch more of your impersonation of GW. You have him down perfectly.”

– Thomas Fleming, Historian, Author and World-Renowned Washington Scholar

Personal Letter

“Laura and I enjoyed seeing you at Mount Vernon. You did a fine job of portraying our Nation’s first President. The event was a fitting tribute to this great man. Best wishes.”

– President George W. Bush