Dean Geyer
Encyclopedia
Dean Stanley Geyer is an Australian Singer-Songwriter and Actor who came third in the 2006 season of the talent show television series, Australian Idol
.
, South Africa, as the oldest of three children to parents Debbie and Keith. He has two younger sisters, Jessica and Tatum, who share his interest in martial arts.
He moved to Melbourne, Australia, at age 15 leaving most of his family behind. Dean attended Melbourne High School, a select-entry school for boys, finishing his Victorian Certificate of Education
from MHS in 2004, but did not pursue higher education, as he was by his own admission, "not made for school".
Geyer's interest in music started early in his childhood. He learned to play the guitar, and wrote his first song entitled "Change" which was based on his move from South Africa to Australia. At his Australian Idol audition, he played a self-composed song called "Nice to Meet You".
In 2004, Dean Geyer formed a band called "Third Edge" and recorded his original music at Studio 52. Studio 52 then permitted Dean and his band to perform at the Kool Skools awards night, but they only received a nomination.
's "Walking In Memphis", Geyer played a self-composed piece called "Nice to Meet You". This song was praised by the three judges, who unanimously voted to send him through to the Top 100.
Geyer survived the culling rounds in Sydney, where the Top 100 are reduced to the Top 24. He sang "I Don't Wanna Be" by Gavin DeGraw
for his elimination performance, and later performed the U2
smash hit "Beautiful Day
" with Chris Murphy
. They became close friends and impressed the judges with their voices and their camaraderie. Geyer was the first contestant who was accepted by Idol into the top 100. On 28 May, Geyer was the second contestant voted into the top 12.
Geyer's performance of Ryan Cabrera
's "On the Way Down
" on 15 October received a "touchdown" from judge Mark Holden
. His Disco performance in the Final 8 of "Turn the Beat Around
" included a front handspring by Dean off the side of the stage and a backflip at the end of his performance. In the weeks leading up to the final of Australian Idol
2006, Geyer was selected by both Mark Holden
and former Idol judge Ian Dickson as their favourites for winning the competition.
On 12 November, Dean received a second Touchdown from Mark Holden
after his performance of Edwin McCain
's "I'll Be". Mark also said that that performance was a number-one hit. Although Dean was one of the most popular characters in the behind-the-scenes interviews on Idol Backstage
, he was eliminated from the show on 13 November after receiving the lowest amount of votes from home viewers losing out to runner-up Jessica Mauboy
and eventual winner, Damien Leith
.
, Dean signed an exclusive recording contract with SonyBMG in 2006. Dean released his first single, "If You Don't Mean It
" which premiered on radio stations on 5 April 2007. The single was released to iTunes
on 5 May 2007. The single peaked on the ARIA Charts
at #10. The album, recorded in early February, was released on 26 May 2007
Dean released his debut album, Rush
on 26 May 2007. The album peaked at #7 on the ARIA Charts and received mixed reviews from critics. The album quickly dropped on the charts and a second single was not released. Dean performed at the Celebrity Grand Prix in Melbourne throughout March 2007 to promote the album. He was originally set to support Young Divas
on their Australian tour, but he instead decided to do several in-store appearances and signings.
In late 2007, Dean toured as a supporting act across Australia for ARIA
Award-Winning music duo The Veronicas
on their "Hook Me Up
" tour. He would later appear in the duo's music video for "This Love
", playing the love interest of Lisa Origliasso
his then fiancée.
In 2008 it was announced SonyBMG had dropped Dean from the label. He revealed he has begun recording his second album and will release it independently.
. Dean participated in a series of acting workshops and vocal coaching to improve his acting skills.
Geyer made his acting and Neighbours debut on 27 March 2008. He plays the role of Ty Harper
, a law-school dropout and aspiring musician. On the 19 May 2008 episode, Geyer performed a duet with Neighbours Co-Star, Caitlin Stasey
which their characters Rachel and Ty performed at the Erinsborough High School Formal. The song became a cult success and reached the ARIA
download charts at #40. Despite a series favorite, Geyer left the series during the first half of 2009 to concentrate his music career.
In June 2010, Dean was announced to make his film debut in the Action
Drama film Never Back Down 2
. He will star alongside MMA
fighter, Scott Epstein with Actor Michael Jai White
to make his directional debut. Filming took place in September 2010 and wrapped in November. The film is set for a 13 September 2011 release.
He has since returned to acting, taking the role of "Reynolds" on the new hit show by Steven Spielberg, Terra Nova
.
of Australian duo The Veronicas
who met whilst at the 2007 ARIA Awards
. In April 2008, Origliasso publicly announced that she and Geyer were engaged. However, the engagement was later called off due to work commitments. Geyer is currently dating his Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown costar Jillian Murray
.
Australian Idol
Australian Idol is a Logie Award-winning Australian singing competition, which began its first season on July 2003 and ended its run in November 2009. As part of the Idol franchise, Australian Idol originated from the reality program Pop Idol, which was created by British entertainment executive...
.
Early life
Dean Geyer was born in JohannesburgJohannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
, South Africa, as the oldest of three children to parents Debbie and Keith. He has two younger sisters, Jessica and Tatum, who share his interest in martial arts.
He moved to Melbourne, Australia, at age 15 leaving most of his family behind. Dean attended Melbourne High School, a select-entry school for boys, finishing his Victorian Certificate of Education
Victorian Certificate of Education
The Victorian Certificate of Education or VCE is the credential awarded to secondary school students who successfully complete high school level studies in the state of Victoria, Australia. Study for the VCE is usually completed over two years, but it can be spread over a longer period in some cases...
from MHS in 2004, but did not pursue higher education, as he was by his own admission, "not made for school".
Geyer's interest in music started early in his childhood. He learned to play the guitar, and wrote his first song entitled "Change" which was based on his move from South Africa to Australia. At his Australian Idol audition, he played a self-composed song called "Nice to Meet You".
In 2004, Dean Geyer formed a band called "Third Edge" and recorded his original music at Studio 52. Studio 52 then permitted Dean and his band to perform at the Kool Skools awards night, but they only received a nomination.
Australian Idol 2006
Geyer auditioned for the fourth series of Australian Idol in his Australian hometown of Melbourne. After singing Marc CohnMarc Cohn
Marc Craig Cohn is an American folk rock singer-songwriter and musician.- Personal life :Cohn was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Beachwood High School in Beachwood, a Cleveland suburb. He then attended Oberlin College....
's "Walking In Memphis", Geyer played a self-composed piece called "Nice to Meet You". This song was praised by the three judges, who unanimously voted to send him through to the Top 100.
Geyer survived the culling rounds in Sydney, where the Top 100 are reduced to the Top 24. He sang "I Don't Wanna Be" by Gavin DeGraw
Gavin DeGraw
Gavin Shane DeGraw is an American musician and singer-songwriter. He is known for his songs "Chariot", "Follow Through", "I Don't Want to Be" , "In Love with a Girl", and "Not Over You".-Early life:DeGraw grew up in the Catskills in South Fallsburg,...
for his elimination performance, and later performed the U2
U2
U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono , The Edge , Adam Clayton , and Larry Mullen, Jr. . U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music...
smash hit "Beautiful Day
Beautiful Day
"Beautiful Day" is a song by the rock band U2. It is the first track from their 2000 album, All That You Can't Leave Behind, and it was released as the album's lead single. It was a commercial success, helping launch the album to multi-platinum status, and is one of U2's biggest hits to date...
" with Chris Murphy
Chris Murphy (Australian singer)
Christopher Bryce Murphy , is an Australian male singer-songwriter who rose to fame when he placed fourth in Australian Idol 2006....
. They became close friends and impressed the judges with their voices and their camaraderie. Geyer was the first contestant who was accepted by Idol into the top 100. On 28 May, Geyer was the second contestant voted into the top 12.
Geyer's performance of Ryan Cabrera
Ryan Cabrera
Ryan Frank Cabrera is an American pop rock musician. In 2004, Cabrera debuted with his single "On the Way Down", a top ten hit in the U.S., and album Take It All Away...
's "On the Way Down
On the Way Down
"On the Way Down" is the debut single by Ryan Cabrera, released from his 2004 studio album, Take It All Away. The song won a 2006 ASCAP Pop Award for most performed song of that year. The song was co-written with Curt Frasca and Sabelle Breer who also helped create hit songs for Stacie Orrico and...
" on 15 October received a "touchdown" from judge Mark Holden
Mark Holden
Mark Holden is an Australian singer, television personality and barrister. He was one of a panel of three judges on the television series Australian Idol.-Acting career:...
. His Disco performance in the Final 8 of "Turn the Beat Around
Turn the Beat Around
In 1994 , the song was recorded by Gloria Estefan for the soundtrack to the film The Specialist. Released as a single, it became a hit reaching #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is also featured on Estefan's fourth solo album Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me. She also sang the song as her opening...
" included a front handspring by Dean off the side of the stage and a backflip at the end of his performance. In the weeks leading up to the final of Australian Idol
Australian Idol (season 4)
The fourth season of Australian Idol first episode aired on 6 August 2006 and concluded on 26 November.-Format Changes:Changes for the fourth season of Australian Idol included the cancellation of "Inside Idol"; a "streamlined" semi-finals ; and the contestants will be able to bring...
2006, Geyer was selected by both Mark Holden
Mark Holden
Mark Holden is an Australian singer, television personality and barrister. He was one of a panel of three judges on the television series Australian Idol.-Acting career:...
and former Idol judge Ian Dickson as their favourites for winning the competition.
On 12 November, Dean received a second Touchdown from Mark Holden
Mark Holden
Mark Holden is an Australian singer, television personality and barrister. He was one of a panel of three judges on the television series Australian Idol.-Acting career:...
after his performance of Edwin McCain
Edwin McCain
Edwin McCain is an American singer-songwriter and musician.-Career:While his albums are released under his name, he does have a permanent band, referred to as the Edwin McCain Band...
's "I'll Be". Mark also said that that performance was a number-one hit. Although Dean was one of the most popular characters in the behind-the-scenes interviews on Idol Backstage
Idol Backstage
Idol Backstage was a companion show to Australian Idol distributed by Australia's largest telecommunications company, Telstra, and promoted in clips on the main show...
, he was eliminated from the show on 13 November after receiving the lowest amount of votes from home viewers losing out to runner-up Jessica Mauboy
Jessica Mauboy
Jessica Hilda Mauboy , is an Indigenous Australian R&B singer-songwriter and actress. In 2006, Mauboy was the runner-up on the fourth season of Australian Idol, she had auditioned for the talent show in Alice Springs to pursue a recording career...
and eventual winner, Damien Leith
Damien Leith
Damien Leo Leith is an Irish Australian singer–songwriter. He was the winner of the Network Ten music contest Australian Idol 2006Damien has also guest co-hosted 'The Morning Show' on Network Ten on 18 July 2011.He was born in Ireland and now lives in Australia with his Australian wife, Eileen...
.
2006–2008: Post Idol Career
Within weeks after the series finale of Australian IdolAustralian Idol
Australian Idol is a Logie Award-winning Australian singing competition, which began its first season on July 2003 and ended its run in November 2009. As part of the Idol franchise, Australian Idol originated from the reality program Pop Idol, which was created by British entertainment executive...
, Dean signed an exclusive recording contract with SonyBMG in 2006. Dean released his first single, "If You Don't Mean It
If You Don't Mean It
"If You Don't Mean It" is a pop song written by Chris Braide, Carl Falk and Didrik Thott, recorded by Dean Geyer for his first album Rush . Geyer states the song is about a girl who "says she loves him but doesn't show it by her actions...
" which premiered on radio stations on 5 April 2007. The single was released to iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
on 5 May 2007. The single peaked on the ARIA Charts
ARIA Charts
The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June...
at #10. The album, recorded in early February, was released on 26 May 2007
Dean released his debut album, Rush
Rush (Dean Geyer album)
Rush is the first album by Australian singer Dean Geyer, released by Sony BMG in Australia on 28 May 2007 . The album "sums up everything that" Geyer has felt in the past year, he states "the process of creating, writing, recording and promoting has been a rush...
on 26 May 2007. The album peaked at #7 on the ARIA Charts and received mixed reviews from critics. The album quickly dropped on the charts and a second single was not released. Dean performed at the Celebrity Grand Prix in Melbourne throughout March 2007 to promote the album. He was originally set to support Young Divas
Young Divas
Young Divas was an Australian girl group that had consisted of previous Australian Idol contestants. The original line up consisted of season one finalist Paulini Curuenavuli, season two finalist Ricki-Lee Coulter, season three winner Kate DeAraugo and runner-up Emily Williams...
on their Australian tour, but he instead decided to do several in-store appearances and signings.
In late 2007, Dean toured as a supporting act across Australia for ARIA
Australian Recording Industry Association
The Australian Recording Industry Association is a trade group representing the Australian recording industry which was established in 1983 by six major record companies, EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal replacing the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers which was formed in 1956...
Award-Winning music duo The Veronicas
The Veronicas
The Veronicas are an Australian electrorock, pop-punk and rock band. Twin sisters Jessica and Lisa Origliasso formed the band in 1999 in Brisbane. They have their own line of clothing which was released in 2007....
on their "Hook Me Up
Hook Me Up
Hook Me Up is the second studio album by Australian band The Veronicas, which was released on 3 November 2007 by Rhino Entertainment, Sire Records and London Records. The album shows a new direction in music for the duo – exploring a New Wave/electro-pop sound which was influenced by Los Angeles...
" tour. He would later appear in the duo's music video for "This Love
This Love (The Veronicas song)
"This Love" is a dance-rock song written by Toby Gad and then-unknown pop singer Kesha, produced by Gad for The Veronicas second album Hook Me Up...
", playing the love interest of Lisa Origliasso
Lisa Origliasso
Lisa Marie Origliasso is an Australian singer-songwriter, actress and fashion designer. Born and raised in Albany Creek, Queensland she, along side twin sister Jessica Origliasso, performed in show business at a young age. Origliasso rose to fame in 2000's when she and her sister formed a pop duo...
his then fiancée.
In 2008 it was announced SonyBMG had dropped Dean from the label. He revealed he has begun recording his second album and will release it independently.
2008 – Present: Acting career and second album
In November 2007, Ten Network announced Dean has signed on to become a series regular on the long-time running Australian Soap Opera, NeighboursNeighbours
Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera first broadcast on the Seven Network on 18 March 1985. It was created by TV executive Reg Watson, who proposed the idea of making a show that focused on realistic stories and portrayed adults and teenagers who talk openly and solve their problems...
. Dean participated in a series of acting workshops and vocal coaching to improve his acting skills.
Geyer made his acting and Neighbours debut on 27 March 2008. He plays the role of Ty Harper
Ty Harper
Ty Harper is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by singer Dean Geyer. He made his first appearance on-screen on 27 March 2008. He was introduced to the show as the cousin of Taylah Jordan and as a potential romantic interest for Rachel Kinski...
, a law-school dropout and aspiring musician. On the 19 May 2008 episode, Geyer performed a duet with Neighbours Co-Star, Caitlin Stasey
Caitlin Stasey
Caitlin Jean Stasey is an Australian actress from Melbourne, who is best known for her previous role as Rachel Kinski in Neighbours. Previously she played Francesca Thomas in The Sleepover Club...
which their characters Rachel and Ty performed at the Erinsborough High School Formal. The song became a cult success and reached the ARIA
Australian Recording Industry Association
The Australian Recording Industry Association is a trade group representing the Australian recording industry which was established in 1983 by six major record companies, EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal replacing the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers which was formed in 1956...
download charts at #40. Despite a series favorite, Geyer left the series during the first half of 2009 to concentrate his music career.
In June 2010, Dean was announced to make his film debut in the Action
Action film
Action film is a film genre where one or more heroes is thrust into a series of challenges that require physical feats, extended fights and frenetic chases...
Drama film Never Back Down 2
Never Back Down 2
Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown is a 2011 American action film starring Michael Jai White, Scott Epstein, Dean Geyer, and Jillian Murray. It is a sequel to the first film Never Back Down and was released in August 2011. The film made its world premiere at the ActionFest film festival in Asheville,...
. He will star alongside MMA
Mixed martial arts
Mixed Martial Arts is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, judo and other styles. The roots of modern mixed martial arts can be...
fighter, Scott Epstein with Actor Michael Jai White
Michael Jai White
Michael Jai White is an American actor and martial artist who has appeared in numerous films and television series. He is the first African American to portray a major comic book superhero in a major motion picture, having starred as Al Simmons, the protagonist in the 1997 film Spawn...
to make his directional debut. Filming took place in September 2010 and wrapped in November. The film is set for a 13 September 2011 release.
He has since returned to acting, taking the role of "Reynolds" on the new hit show by Steven Spielberg, Terra Nova
Terra Nova (TV series)
Terra Nova is an American science fiction drama television series that airs on Fox on Monday nights. It premiered September 26, 2011 with a one-and-a-half-hour episode...
.
Personal life
Geyer began a relationship with Lisa OrigliassoLisa Origliasso
Lisa Marie Origliasso is an Australian singer-songwriter, actress and fashion designer. Born and raised in Albany Creek, Queensland she, along side twin sister Jessica Origliasso, performed in show business at a young age. Origliasso rose to fame in 2000's when she and her sister formed a pop duo...
of Australian duo The Veronicas
The Veronicas
The Veronicas are an Australian electrorock, pop-punk and rock band. Twin sisters Jessica and Lisa Origliasso formed the band in 1999 in Brisbane. They have their own line of clothing which was released in 2007....
who met whilst at the 2007 ARIA Awards
ARIA Music Awards of 2007
The 21st Annual Australian Recording Industry Association Music Awards were held on 28 October 2007 at the Acer Arena at the Sydney Olympic Park complex. Rove McManus was the host of the event...
. In April 2008, Origliasso publicly announced that she and Geyer were engaged. However, the engagement was later called off due to work commitments. Geyer is currently dating his Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown costar Jillian Murray
Jillian Murray
Jillian Leigh Murray is an American Actress. She perhaps best known for her role as Portlyn on Sonny With a Chance and as Heather in An American Carol .-Life and career:...
.
Albums
| Rush Rush (Dean Geyer album) Rush is the first album by Australian singer Dean Geyer, released by Sony BMG in Australia on 28 May 2007 . The album "sums up everything that" Geyer has felt in the past year, he states "the process of creating, writing, recording and promoting has been a rush...
|
Singles
| Year | Song | Australia ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... |
Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | "If You Don't Mean It If You Don't Mean It "If You Don't Mean It" is a pop song written by Chris Braide, Carl Falk and Didrik Thott, recorded by Dean Geyer for his first album Rush . Geyer states the song is about a girl who "says she loves him but doesn't show it by her actions... " |
10 | Rush Rush (Dean Geyer album) Rush is the first album by Australian singer Dean Geyer, released by Sony BMG in Australia on 28 May 2007 . The album "sums up everything that" Geyer has felt in the past year, he states "the process of creating, writing, recording and promoting has been a rush... |
| 2008 | "Unforgettable" (with Caitlin Stasey) | 40 (Downloads Chart) |
Unforgettable (From Neighbours) – Single |
Filmography
| | Television roles | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Television Series | Role | Notes | |
| 2008–2009 | Neighbours Neighbours Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera first broadcast on the Seven Network on 18 March 1985. It was created by TV executive Reg Watson, who proposed the idea of making a show that focused on realistic stories and portrayed adults and teenagers who talk openly and solve their problems... |
Ty Harper Ty Harper Ty Harper is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by singer Dean Geyer. He made his first appearance on-screen on 27 March 2008. He was introduced to the show as the cousin of Taylah Jordan and as a potential romantic interest for Rachel Kinski... |
244 Episodes | |
| 2011 | Terra Nova Terra Nova (TV series) Terra Nova is an American science fiction drama television series that airs on Fox on Monday nights. It premiered September 26, 2011 with a one-and-a-half-hour episode... |
Reynolds | Recurring | |
| 2011 | Single Ladies Single Ladies (TV series) Single Ladies is a television series on the VH1 network in the U.S. created by Stacy A. Littlejohn and produced by Queen Latifah's Flavor Unit Entertainment for the MTV network-owned cable channel. The show chronicles three friends, Val, Keisha and April, and their relationships... |
Gabe | Episodes 1.8 and 1.9 | |
| | Film roles | ||||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | |
| 2011 | Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown | Mike | ||
Awards
| Year | Result | Award | Category | Nominated work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Won | TREV Awards (Tertiary Recreation Entertainment Victoria) | Best Acoustic Act | James Dean (Dean Geyer's Band) |
| 2007 | Won | Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards The Australian Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards is an annual awards show which awards entertainers with a blimp trophy, as voted by kids. The show is usually held during October or November and a televised show is produced, touted as the biggest party for kids on the planet.-Host Cities:* 2003 -... |
Fave Hottie | |
| 2009 | Nominated | Logie Awards of 2009 Logie Awards of 2009 The 51st Annual TV WEEK Logie Awards was held on Sunday 3 May 2009 at the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne, and televised on the Nine Network. The awards ceremony was hosted by Gretel Killeen and had over 1.6 million people watching the Logie Awards telecast. Performing on the night were... |
Most Popular New Male Talent | Neighbours Neighbours Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera first broadcast on the Seven Network on 18 March 1985. It was created by TV executive Reg Watson, who proposed the idea of making a show that focused on realistic stories and portrayed adults and teenagers who talk openly and solve their problems... |
Countdown
| Year | Countdown | Position | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | TV Guide TV Guide TV Guide is a weekly American magazine with listings of TV shows.In addition to TV listings, the publication features television-related news, celebrity interviews, gossip and film reviews and crossword puzzles... Australia's "Hottest Guys on Television" |
#2 | |
| 2006 | POPrepublic.tvm "Male Hottie of 2006" | #2 | |