Neal Cassady

Neal Cassady (1926–1998) was an American author and counterculture figure, best known for his role in the Beat Generation and the psychedelic movement of the 1960s. He became famous for his charismatic, free-spirited personality and his adventurous lifestyle, which inspired writers like Jack Kerouac and Ken Kesey. Cassady was the model for Dean Moriarty in Kerouac's classic novel "On the Road." He embodied the themes of spontaneity and rebellion against societal norms, making him a significant cultural icon of his time. His influence extended beyond literature, reflecting broader shifts in American culture.