Loren Dean
Encyclopedia
Loren Dean is an American
actor
. He has appeared onstage and in feature films.
. His mother worked as a family and marriage counselor and his father was in the clothing business. His parents divorced when he was a small child. His mother won custody of Loren, and the family moved to Los Angeles, California
. When visiting his father, the two often went to the movies—which Dean says led to his love of film
. His childhood was a difficult one, and he ran away from home when he was 16 years old. He graduated from Santa Monica High School
in Santa Monica, California
in 1986.
Dean moved to New York City
to pursue an acting career. After two years a friend introduced him to an agent, and he began appearing in stage plays in New York. He won a Theatre World Award
in 1989 for his Off Broadway debut in the play Amulets Against the Dragon Forces
at the Circle Repertory Company. He is a playwright and one of Academy Award-winning screenwriter John Patrick Shanley
's favorite actors, having appeared in many of the author's plays, notably 4 Dogs and a Bone and Beggars in the House of Plenty.
During his time in New York, Dean became an animal lover. After his income rose, he also developed a love of shopping.
. His third film, the 1991 crime drama Billy Bathgate
, cast him opposite Nicole Kidman
, Dustin Hoffman
and Bruce Willis
. Although the film did not do well at the box office, Dean won positive reviews for his performance.
Dean was also lauded for his role as a cocaine
-addicted, has-been movie star who is accidentally re-launched on the road to fame and fortune by a fan in Starstruck
. Variety
noted that Dean "nails his role with precision". He was also lauded for his performance as a mysterious small-town psychologist in Mumford
(1999). Dean's performance was considered "plausible and generous," and he was favorably compared to a "young Charles Grodin
."
Much of his acting career, however, has been in supporting roles. His films include Apollo 13
(1995), How to Make an American Quilt
(1995), Gattaca
(1997), Enemy of the State (1998) and Space Cowboys
(2000). In the last half-decade, Dean has appeared in a number of independent film
s (most notably, The War Bride) and several well-received television miniseries
(such as The Bronx Is Burning
). He has also played Russ, the brother of Temperance "Bones" Brennan on the TV series Bones
.
Dean's most recent effort was a 2007 independent film, The Poker Club
. The suspense story was written by Johnathon Schaech
and co-produced by Schaech and Richard Chizmar
. It is about four buddies who accidentally kill a burglar during one of their poker
nights.
Dean has supported filmmakers behind the scenes as well. In 1999, he was a juror for the third annual Shorts International Film Festival.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
. He has appeared onstage and in feature films.
Early life
Loren Dean Jovicic was born in Las Vegas, NevadaLas Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
. His mother worked as a family and marriage counselor and his father was in the clothing business. His parents divorced when he was a small child. His mother won custody of Loren, and the family moved to Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
. When visiting his father, the two often went to the movies—which Dean says led to his love of film
Film
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
. His childhood was a difficult one, and he ran away from home when he was 16 years old. He graduated from Santa Monica High School
Santa Monica High School
Santa Monica High School, informally known as SAMOHI, is located in Santa Monica, California. Founded in 1884, it is one of the oldest high schools in the state....
in Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica is a beachfront city in western Los Angeles County, California, US. Situated on Santa Monica Bay, it is surrounded on three sides by the city of Los Angeles — Pacific Palisades on the northwest, Brentwood on the north, West Los Angeles on the northeast, Mar Vista on the east, and...
in 1986.
Dean moved to New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
to pursue an acting career. After two years a friend introduced him to an agent, and he began appearing in stage plays in New York. He won a Theatre World Award
Theatre World Award
The Theatre World Award, first awarded for the 1945-46 season, is an American honor presented annually to actors and actresses in recognition of an outstanding New York City stage debut performance, either on Broadway or off-Broadway.-History:...
in 1989 for his Off Broadway debut in the play Amulets Against the Dragon Forces
Amulets Against the Dragon Forces
Amulets Against the Dragon Forces is a play by Paul Zindel. The play focuses on Chris Boyd, a teenager whose mother cares for the dying. It is set in 1950s Staten Island....
at the Circle Repertory Company. He is a playwright and one of Academy Award-winning screenwriter John Patrick Shanley
John Patrick Shanley
John Patrick Shanley is an American playwright, screenwriter, and director. He also contributed articles on the performing arts to The New York Times among other publications.-Life and career:...
's favorite actors, having appeared in many of the author's plays, notably 4 Dogs and a Bone and Beggars in the House of Plenty.
During his time in New York, Dean became an animal lover. After his income rose, he also developed a love of shopping.
Film career
Dean's first film was 1988's Plain Clothes. He made his big break a year later, cast as a bad ex-boyfriend in Say Anything... starring John CusackJohn Cusack
John Paul Cusack is an American film actor and screenwriter. He has appeared in more than 50 films, including The Journey of Natty Gann, Say Anything..., Grosse Point Blank, The Thin Red Line, Stand by Me, Con Air, Being John Malkovich, High Fidelity, Serendipity, Runaway Jury, The Ice Harvest,...
. His third film, the 1991 crime drama Billy Bathgate
Billy Bathgate (film)
Billy Bathgate is a 1991 American crime film directed by Robert Benton, starring Loren Dean as the titular character and Dustin Hoffman as gangster Dutch Schultz. The film co-stars Nicole Kidman, Steven Hill, Steve Buscemi, and Bruce Willis. It is based on the novel of the same name by E.L....
, cast him opposite Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Mary Kidman, AC is an American-born Australian actress, singer, film producer, spokesmodel, and humanitarian. After starring in a number of small Australian films and TV shows, Kidman's breakthrough was in the 1989 thriller Dead Calm...
, Dustin Hoffman
Dustin Hoffman
Dustin Lee Hoffman is an American actor with a career in film, television, and theatre since 1960. He has been known for his versatile portrayals of antiheroes and vulnerable characters....
and Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis
Walter Bruce Willis , better known as Bruce Willis, is an American actor, producer, and musician. His career began in television in the 1980s and has continued both in television and film since, including comedic, dramatic, and action roles...
. Although the film did not do well at the box office, Dean won positive reviews for his performance.
Dean was also lauded for his role as a cocaine
Cocaine
Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. The name comes from "coca" in addition to the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic...
-addicted, has-been movie star who is accidentally re-launched on the road to fame and fortune by a fan in Starstruck
Starstruck (1998 film)
-Plot:A temp/aspiring screenwriter in Los Angeles befriends a washed up, former teen idol and develops an unhealthy relationship with him.-Principal cast:-Critical reception:From Nathan Rabin at The A.V. Club:...
. Variety
Variety (magazine)
Variety is an American weekly entertainment-trade magazine founded in New York City, New York, in 1905 by Sime Silverman. With the rise of the importance of the motion-picture industry, Daily Variety, a daily edition based in Los Angeles, California, was founded by Silverman in 1933. In 1998, the...
noted that Dean "nails his role with precision". He was also lauded for his performance as a mysterious small-town psychologist in Mumford
Mumford (film)
Mumford is a 1999 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Lawrence Kasdan. It is set in a small town where a new psychologist gives offbeat advice to the neurotic residents...
(1999). Dean's performance was considered "plausible and generous," and he was favorably compared to a "young Charles Grodin
Charles Grodin
Charles Grodin is an American actor, comedian, author and former cable talk show host. Grodin began his acting career in the 1960s appearing in TV serials including The Virginian. He had a small part as an obstetrician in Roman Polanski's Rosemary's Baby in 1968...
."
Much of his acting career, however, has been in supporting roles. His films include Apollo 13
Apollo 13 (film)
Apollo 13 is a 1995 American drama film directed by Ron Howard. The film stars Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise, Kathleen Quinlan and Ed Harris. The screenplay by William Broyles, Jr...
(1995), How to Make an American Quilt
How to Make an American Quilt
How to Make an American Quilt is a 1995 movie which was directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse and stars Winona Ryder, Maya Angelou, Ellen Burstyn and Anne Bancroft...
(1995), Gattaca
Gattaca
Gattaca is a 1997 science fiction film written and directed by Andrew Niccol. It stars Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Jude Law with supporting roles played by Loren Dean, Ernest Borgnine, Gore Vidal and Alan Arkin....
(1997), Enemy of the State (1998) and Space Cowboys
Space Cowboys
Space Cowboys is a 2000 science fiction film directed by Clint Eastwood. Eastwood also stars in the film alongside Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, and James Garner as four older "ex-test pilots" who are sent into space to repair an old Soviet satellite...
(2000). In the last half-decade, Dean has appeared in a number of independent film
Independent film
An independent film, or indie film, is a professional film production resulting in a feature film that is produced mostly or completely outside of the major film studio system. In addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies, independent films are also produced...
s (most notably, The War Bride) and several well-received television miniseries
Miniseries
A miniseries , in a serial storytelling medium, is a television show production which tells a story in a limited number of episodes. The exact number is open to interpretation; however, they are usually limited to fewer than a whole season. The term "miniseries" is generally a North American term...
(such as The Bronx Is Burning
The Bronx Is Burning
The Bronx Is Burning is a television drama that debuted on ESPN on July 9, 2007, after the 2007 MLB Home Run Derby. It is an eight-episode mini-series adapted from Jonathan Mahler's best-selling book, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx Is Burning...
). He has also played Russ, the brother of Temperance "Bones" Brennan on the TV series Bones
Bones (TV series)
Bones is an American crime drama television series that premiered on the Fox Network on September 13, 2005. The show is based on forensic anthropology and forensic archaeology, with each episode focusing on an FBI case file concerning the mystery behind human remains brought by FBI Special Agent...
.
Dean's most recent effort was a 2007 independent film, The Poker Club
The Poker Club
The Poker Club was one of several clubs at the heart of the Scottish Enlightenment where many associated with that movement met and exchanged views in a convivial atmosphere. The Poker Club was created out of the ashes of The Select Society....
. The suspense story was written by Johnathon Schaech
Johnathon Schaech
Johnathon Schaech is an American actor, writer, and director.-Early life:Schaech was born in Edgewood, Maryland to Joseph, a Baltimore City law enforcement officer, and Joanne Schaech, a human resources executive. He is of German and Italian descent, and was raised Roman Catholic...
and co-produced by Schaech and Richard Chizmar
Richard Chizmar
Richard Thomas Chizmar is best known as the publisher and editor of Cemetery Dance magazine and the owner of Cemetery Dance Publications...
. It is about four buddies who accidentally kill a burglar during one of their poker
Poker
Poker is a family of card games that share betting rules and usually hand rankings. Poker games differ in how the cards are dealt, how hands may be formed, whether the high or low hand wins the pot in a showdown , limits on bet sizes, and how many rounds of betting are allowed.In most modern poker...
nights.
Dean has supported filmmakers behind the scenes as well. In 1999, he was a juror for the third annual Shorts International Film Festival.
Partial filmography
- Plain ClothesPlain Clothes (1988 film)Plain Clothes is a 1988 comedy film directed by Martha Coolidge. The film stars Arliss Howard and was released by Paramount Pictures. As of 2011, it is available on VHS and 'Internet video streaming' through Netflix.-Plot summary:...
(19881988 in film-Top grossing films :- Awards :Academy Awards:* Act of Piracy* Action Jackson, starring Carl Weathers, Craig T. Nelson, Vanity, Sharon Stone* The Adventures of Baron Munchausen* Akira* Alice...
) - Say Anything... (1989)
- Billy BathgateBilly Bathgate (film)Billy Bathgate is a 1991 American crime film directed by Robert Benton, starring Loren Dean as the titular character and Dustin Hoffman as gangster Dutch Schultz. The film co-stars Nicole Kidman, Steven Hill, Steve Buscemi, and Bruce Willis. It is based on the novel of the same name by E.L....
(1991) - 1492: Conquest of Paradise1492: Conquest of Paradise1492: Conquest of Paradise is an epic 1992 European adventure/drama film directed by Ridley Scott and written by Roselyne Bosch, which tells the story of the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus and the effect this had on the indigenous people...
(1992) - J.F.K.: Reckless Youth (1993) (mini-series)
- The American Clock (1993)
- Apollo 13Apollo 13 (film)Apollo 13 is a 1995 American drama film directed by Ron Howard. The film stars Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise, Kathleen Quinlan and Ed Harris. The screenplay by William Broyles, Jr...
(1995) - The Passion of Darkly NoonThe Passion of Darkly NoonThe Passion of Darkly Noon is a 1995 film written and directed by Philip Ridley, starring Brendan Fraser in the title role, and co-starring Ashley Judd and Viggo Mortensen.-Cast:*Brendan Fraser... Darkly Noon*Ashley Judd... Callie...
(1995) - Mrs. WinterbourneMrs. WinterbourneMrs. Winterbourne is a 1996 romantic comedy/drama starring Shirley MacLaine, Ricki Lake, and Brendan Fraser. The film is loosely based on Cornell Woolrich's novel I Married a Dead Man, which has already been filmed in Hollywood as No Man of Her Own starring Barbara Stanwyck, and in Bollywood as...
(1996) - How to Make an American QuiltHow to Make an American QuiltHow to Make an American Quilt is a 1995 movie which was directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse and stars Winona Ryder, Maya Angelou, Ellen Burstyn and Anne Bancroft...
(1996) - GattacaGattacaGattaca is a 1997 science fiction film written and directed by Andrew Niccol. It stars Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Jude Law with supporting roles played by Loren Dean, Ernest Borgnine, Gore Vidal and Alan Arkin....
(1997) - The End of ViolenceThe End of ViolenceThe End of Violence is a 1997 film by the German director Wim Wenders. The film's cast includes Bill Pullman, Gabriel Byrne, Traci Lind, Rosalind Chao, Andie MacDowell, and Loren Dean, among others. It also features a soundtrack marked with the signature sounds of Wenders regulars Jon Hassell, Ry...
(1997) - RosewoodRosewood (film)Rosewood is a 1997 feature film, directed by John Singleton. While based on historic events of the 1923 Rosewood massacre in Florida, the film introduces fictional characters and changes from historic accounts. It stars Ving Rhames as a man who travels to the town and becomes a witness...
(1997) - Enemy of the State (1998)
- StarstruckStarstruck (1998 film)-Plot:A temp/aspiring screenwriter in Los Angeles befriends a washed up, former teen idol and develops an unhealthy relationship with him.-Principal cast:-Critical reception:From Nathan Rabin at The A.V. Club:...
(1998) - MumfordMumford (film)Mumford is a 1999 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Lawrence Kasdan. It is set in a small town where a new psychologist gives offbeat advice to the neurotic residents...
(1999) - Space CowboysSpace CowboysSpace Cowboys is a 2000 science fiction film directed by Clint Eastwood. Eastwood also stars in the film alongside Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, and James Garner as four older "ex-test pilots" who are sent into space to repair an old Soviet satellite...
(2000) - The War Bride (2001)
- BonesBones (TV series)Bones is an American crime drama television series that premiered on the Fox Network on September 13, 2005. The show is based on forensic anthropology and forensic archaeology, with each episode focusing on an FBI case file concerning the mystery behind human remains brought by FBI Special Agent...
(2006–08) (TV) - The Bronx Is BurningThe Bronx Is BurningThe Bronx Is Burning is a television drama that debuted on ESPN on July 9, 2007, after the 2007 MLB Home Run Derby. It is an eight-episode mini-series adapted from Jonathan Mahler's best-selling book, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx Is Burning...
(2007) (TV) - The Poker Club (2008)
- Reservations (2008)
- Middletown (2009)
- Conviction (2010)
- Who is Simon Miller?Who Is Simon Miller?Who Is Simon Miller? is a television film that premiered August 6, 2011 on NBC as part of the network's "Family Movie Night".-Plot:Simon Miller outwardly appears to be a geologist who must frequently take business trips, which has strained the relationship with his family, including his wife...
(2011)