Dean Winters is known for his role as Ryan O'Reily on HBO's award-winning series _"Oz" .
Older brother of Scott William Winters , Blair Winters, and Bradford Winters.
Attended Colorado College.
Is fluent in Italian.
Is of Irish and Scottish descent.
(September 2011) Appears in a variety of Allstate commercials as the "Mayhem" character.
Dean attended Hommocks Middle School, which produced actors such as Matt Dillon & Kevin Dillon , as well as Deans brother, Scott William Winters. At age 14, Dean moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he attended Chaparral High School and graduated from Brophy Prep.
Two moments define Deans path: his brother Scott William Winters dragging him down to meet famed acting coach William Esper (with whom Dean studied) and watching Sean Penn s The Indian Runner .
He was one of the founding actors in the Workhouse Theater in Tribeca.
He started out on the bartending circuit working in bars and clubs around Manhattan.
Hes close friends with the hip hop/rock group Fun Lovin Criminals.
Dean did a summer intensive at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). His acting partner was Rashida Jones.
He studied art history in London & Florence. He also studied Italian in Florence.
Dean died in the back of an ambulance going through Central Park in 2009 after suffering from a bacterial infection. He was brought back to life 3.5 minutes later by the emergency response team at Lenox Hill Hospital. In the span of two years, he had 16 surgeries, lost 2 1/2 toes & 1/2 a thumb after contracting gangrene. He also had major reconstructive surgery on his left arm. He was offered the role of "Mayhem" for Allstates ad campaign while in the hospital.
He lives on the lower West Side of Manhattan.
The role of "Ryan OReily" on "Oz" (HBO) was written & created by Tom Fontana for Dean. Part of Fontanas master plan was to bring Scott William Winters (Deans brother) on Oz for season 2. Brad Winters , Deans other brother, also worked on Oz as a writer. Blair Winters, Deans sister, married Oz producer/writer Jorge Zamacona.
While working at a bar with his brother Scott William Winters , Dean met Tom Fontana , who wrote him a part on the TV series "Homicide: Life on the Street" for his 30th birthday.
Credits Tina Fey with bringing his career back to life on "30 Rock.".
As an actor, he was highly influenced by Rita Moreno.
His acting teacher is Rita Moreno.
Credits Rita Moreno as his favorite acting mentor/best friend.
Life is short, I learned the hard way.
[On being a bartender in NYC] If you left my bar with cab fare, then I,failed.
