With a rich and storied educational trajectory, Dean's academic journey commenced at Queen's University, where he successfully completed two prestigious degrees, one in Education and another in the Performing Arts, in the year 1997. This remarkable milestone served as the catalyst for a illustrious career in the entertainment industry, replete with numerous accomplishments and accolades that would soon follow.
The year 2000 marked a pivotal moment in the career of the esteemed individual, as he embarked on a new chapter in the city that never sleeps - New York City. It was within this vibrant metropolis that he secured a coveted position within the esteemed Broadway Company of Jonathan Larson's groundbreaking and critically acclaimed musical, RENT, which had garnered the highest honors in the entertainment industry, including the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award.
As he delved deeper into his theatrical pursuits, he simultaneously embarked on a five-season long journey with the esteemed television network, Showtime, as a principal cast member in the revolutionary and provocative series, QUEER AS FOLK. This remarkable tenure, spanning a period of five seasons from 2000 to 2005, would go on to solidify his position as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
After a successful two-year stint on the Broadway stage, the talented individual in question made the decision to return to his hometown of Toronto, where he had the esteemed opportunity to take on the lead role in the Canadian premiere production of Jonathan Larson's groundbreaking musical masterpiece, TICK, TICK, BOOM!.
Noted mentor and entrepreneur, Dean is the visionary force behind Armstrong Acting Studios, a prestigious institution he founded in the year 1997. Throughout his illustrious career, he has had the privilege of collaborating with an impressive array of talented film and television personalities, including the internationally renowned Miley Cyrus, the accomplished actress Nina Dobrev, the shrewd businessman and television personality Kevin O'Leary, the gifted young actors Devon Bostick and Jocelyn Hudon, the multifaceted performer Jake Manley, the accomplished actress Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, the talented Brittany Allen, the charismatic Riele Downs, the versatile Saara Chaudry, the seasoned actor Sean Fox, and his own remarkable daughter, Ryan Kiera Armstrong.
Noted for his extensive and diverse acting career, Dean has garnered significant recognition and acclaim for his performances in a wide range of film and television productions.
He has successfully secured leading and recurring roles in various projects, captivating the attention of a dedicated fan base that is particularly enthusiastic about the horror genre.
Dean's impressive portfolio includes appearances in cult franchises that have become synonymous with the horror genre, such as the WRONG TURN series and JOY RIDE, as well as the critically acclaimed SAW franchise.
In addition to his work in film, Dean has also made a notable impact in the world of television, with recurring roles in popular series such as SUPERNATURAL.
Furthermore, he has had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed actors and directors, including Adrien Brody, in the critically acclaimed limited series CHAPELWAITE, based on the works of renowned author Stephen King.
In the year 2020, a significant milestone was reached as Dean took the bold step of co-founding 16/11 Films, a collaborative venture that would go on to produce a plethora of exciting projects. This ambitious endeavour was further bolstered by a strategic partnership with the reputable Red Hill Entertainment, a renowned production company with a proven track record of success. Together, Dean and his new partners embarked on the challenging yet thrilling journey of co-producing a full-length feature horror film, one that would showcase the very best of their collective talents. The result was SHE CAME BACK, a spine-tingling masterpiece that would leave audiences on the edge of their seats. With Amybeth McNulty taking on the lead role and the acclaimed director Megan Follows at the helm, this film was destined for greatness.
Dean, a talented individual, calls the vibrant city of Los Angeles his home, where he is actively involved in the entertainment industry, showcasing his remarkable acting skills in the popular television series SULLIVAN'S CROSSING, alongside the renowned actors Scott Patterson and Chad Michael Murray, who are also part of the show's talented cast.
