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Ester Dean

Actress / Songwriter / Record Producer / Film Actress / Composer | * 04/15/1982 (41) | Muskogee, Oklahoma (United States of America (USA))
Esther Renay Dean (born April 15, 1986), known professionally as Ester Dean, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer. She rose to prominence as a pop songwriter in the late 2000s and wrote numerous hit songs for singers including Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Beyoncé through the 2010s. She has acted in numerous films, including the 2012 musical comedy Pitch Perfect and its sequels. ()

Born inMuskogee, Oklahoma, but raised inTulsa, Oklahoma, Ester Dean was the youngest of five children raised by her single mother Hester, in a low-income household.At a young age Dean learned how to channel her pain into her music, writing and channeling her emotions into songs. Creative writing served as Dean’s self-therapy, helping her cope with a hard life of poverty and bullying (inside and outside her home). Dean took to writing and singing as an escape from her small Oklahoma town with no glimpses of a positive future.At the age of 15, Dean and her sister Deandria moved toOmaha, Nebraska; leaving her older siblings in Tulsa.The separation made Dean dig deeper for a connection, finding solace in music and the local music scene. Singing in every studio, writing for local rappers and producers, Dean unknowingly grass-rooted herself.Learning the ins and outs of her talent and creativity, at 20 years old Dean made a bold move and left Omaha with only $500 in her pocket. She drove 18 hours, alone, toAtlanta, Georgiawith dreams of breaking into the music industry.She sang for anyone who would listen. While at aGap Bandconcert, music producerTricky Stewartoverheard Dean singing in the crowd along with the band.He immediately asked her to set up a meeting. While going through her catalog of songs, Tricky was impressed by not only her voice but also her songwriting ability. He signed her to a small publishing deal that allowed Dean to grow and connect with other known writers and producers.This opportunity provided Dean with the tools, tricks, and skills to writing potential Top 40 songs.Although her time with Tricky was a significant point in her career, Dean eventually parted ways and relocated toLos Angeles, California.Upon relocating to Los Angeles, Dean began to build a name in the songwriting world. She was eventually introduced toPolow da Don, and later signed toZone 4 Records/Interscope Records.In 2009 Dean released her first single, "Drop It Low", which peaked at number 38 on the USBillboard Hot 100, becoming her first US Top 40 single. Dean's big break came when she collaborated with super producersStargate, creating her first number one single, Rihanna’s "Rude Boy". She went on to write "What's My Name", "Where Have You Been" and several other Rihanna hits, as well as Katy Perry's "Firework" and Nicki Minaj’s "Super Bass".She would go on to be named ‘The Song Machine’ inJohn Seabrook'sThe New Yorkerarticle.Outside of music, Dean has been able to establish herself as a voice-over talent. She landed roles inIce Age: Continental Drift(2012) andRio(2011).After making a great impression in the voice-over world, Dean was asked to audition for a small part in an upcoming movie about a girl A cappella group. She jumped at the chance to audition and landed the role of Cynthia Rose in the hit moviePitch Perfect(2012), which also lead to her co-starring inPitch Perfect 2(2015).

Photo of Ester Dean
Most frequent genres for this person: Comedies | Animation | Kids & Family

Known for these Movies & Shows

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Movies with Ester Dean as Actress(7)

as Legsly (voice)2021 Trolls Holiday in Harmony
as Legsly (voice)2020 Trolls World Tour
as Cynthia-Rose Adams2017 Pitch Perfect 3
as Cynthia Rose2015 Pitch Perfect 2
as Cynthia Rose2012 Pitch Perfect
as Female Siren (voice)2012 Ice Age: Continental Drift
as Boy in Gondola (voice)2011 Rio

TV Shows/Series with Ester Dean as Actress(5)

as Self - Expert2022 The Wheel
as Panelist2019 Songland
as Connie's Client2015 Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
as Self - Judge2009 RuPaul's Drag Race

Additional Information

Official websites:
Full Name: Esther Renay Dean
Born: Thursday, 04/15 1982 (April) in Muskogee, Oklahoma (United States of America (USA)) (current age: 41 years + 348 days)
Zodiac sign: Aries (Chinese zodiac sign: Dog)
Languages: English (EN, native language)
Educated at: Omaha North High School
Record Label: Interscope Records
Influenced by/Role models: Nicki Minaj
Other names for Ester Dean (nicknames, foreign languages etc.):
"Esther Renay "Ester" Dean"
"Esther Renay Dean"
"Έστερ Ντιν"
Ester Dean frequently works together with these people:
Elizabeth Banks (7x, Actress)
Kay Cannon (6x, Crew)
Rachel Bloom (6x, Actress)
Raven (6x, Actor)
Alaska Thunderfuck (6x, Actor)
Latrice Royale (6x, Actor)
Sharon Needles (6x, Actor)
Alyssa Edwards (6x, Actor)
Anna Kendrick (5x, Actress)
Todrick Hall (5x, Actor)
Delta Work (5x, Actor)
Pandora Boxx (5x, Actor)
WatchPlayStream ID: PEOPLE:301886, Added: 08/11/2018, Last updated: 03/13/2024