Dean Learnt From The Drama Of The Streets (Press, 30 October 1986)

On 30 October 1986, Judy Byrne wrote about actor Peter Dean, known for his role as Pete Beale in the television series "EastEnders." The article describes Dean's real-life connection to the character he portrays, highlighting that he comes from a family of Cockney stallholders, much like the fictional Beale family who runs a fruit and vegetable stall outside the Queen Victoria pub in the show. Despite his success as an actor, Dean remains devoted to his roots. He operates a stall himself, selling "bankrupt stock and bits and pieces," alongside family members who sell seafood and vegetables. He believes that staying connected to the market keeps him sharp and refers to it as the "best drama school in the world." Dean also serves as an unofficial advisor for "EastEnders," helping to ensure the show's authenticity by providing insights into current slang and realistic life situations in London's East End. Dean's theatrical background is richly rooted; his grandmother was a music hall performer, and an aunt led an acrobatic troupe. His journey into acting began when actress Prunella Scales, known for her role in "Fawlty Towers," noticed him reciting Shakespeare to attract customers at his market stall and encouraged him to pursue acting. His career has primarily consisted of playing tough characters, including psychopaths and villains. However, he expresses excitement about playing a more light-hearted role in "EastEnders," calling it a refreshing change as he enjoys being portrayed as a "Mr Nice Guy." Despite some criticism from viewers who perceive the character of Peter Beale as a male chauvinist, particularly during a scene where his wife dumps dinner on him in a pub, Dean acknowledges the reality of such situations in his life. He recounts a personal experience where a partner similarly confronted him about spending too much time in the pub. Peter Dean's life has taken a turn in recent years; he and his wife Jean converted to Buddhism seven years ago. This lifestyle change has fostered a new philosophy focused on non-violence and helping others. He now dedicates an hour each day to prayer, emphasizing his commitment to making people happy instead of engaging in conflict, a stark contrast to many characters he has portrayed on screen. Dean concludes that his daily aim is to bring joy to at least one person, showcasing his transformed outlook on life.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand