Hagopian, Dean
Websites:
No
Origin:
Moncton, New Brunswick - Ottawa, Ontario, 🇨🇦
Biography:
Dean Hagopian is a Canadian actor, voice actor, former radio personality, musician, and record producer of Armenian descent. Born on August 24, 1937, in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, he has enjoyed a diverse career spanning several facets of the entertainment industry.
Early Musical Endeavors
In the early 1960s, Hagopian embarked on his musical journey, recording five singles that showcased his versatility across genres, including rockabilly and funk-soul crossover.
In 1963, Hagopian co-founded The Staccatos in Ottawa, Ontario, serving as the original lead singer alongside guitarist Vern Craig, bassist Brian Rading, and drummer Rick Bell. The band's debut single, "Just in Case" b/w "This is the End," was released in 1964 under the name Dean Hagopian and The Staccatos. Hagopian departed from the group shortly thereafter, paving the way for Les Emmerson to assume the role of lead vocalist. The Staccatos later evolved into the internationally recognized Five Man Electrical Band.
Transition to Radio and Broadcasting
After his tenure with The Staccatos, Hagopian transitioned into radio broadcasting, becoming a prominent figure in Canadian radio. He held positions at several major stations, including CKOY in Ottawa and CFOX in Montreal, where he was affectionately known as the "Dean of Montreal." His engaging on-air presence and deep understanding of music endeared him to listeners across the country.
Acting and Voice Acting Career
In the late 1970s, Hagopian expanded his artistic pursuits into acting and voice acting. He amassed over 50 film and television credits, with notable appearances in films such as "Scanners," "Snake Eyes," "Brainscan," and "Bad Santa 2." On television, he featured in series like "Street Legal," "Da Vinci's Inquest," and "Republic of Doyle."
As a voice actor, Hagopian contributed to various animated series and films. He is perhaps best known for voicing Seymour 'Big' Cheese in "Samurai Pizza Cats" and Kalmec in "The Mysterious Cities of Gold."
Production Work and Later Career
Beyond performance, Hagopian demonstrated his versatility in the entertainment industry through his work as a producer. He notably produced the debut album for the music group The Rabble, further showcasing his multifaceted talents. Additionally, his distinctive voice led him to work on national radio and TV advertisements for major brands, including GM and Ford.
Dean Hagopian's diverse career reflects his adaptability and talent across multiple facets of the entertainment world, leaving a lasting impact on Canada's cultural landscape.
