One of Hollywood's greatest stars, James Dean, was born in Marion, Indiana on Feb. 8, 1931. The actor only made three movies, 'Giant,' 'East of Eden' and 'Rebel Without A Cause,' but they were enough to give him a reputation in the movie business as one of the most intense actors ever. Dean tragically passed away in a car accident on Sept. 30, 1955, at the young age of 24.
The Indiana-born James Dean only made three movies, “Giant,” “East of Eden” and “Rebel Without A Cause,” but they were enough to give him a reputation inside the movie business as one of the most intense actors ever and outside the movie business as one of the most magnetic presences on the big screen since Marlon Brando, after whom he largely patterned himself.
James Dean was born on Feb. 8, 1931 to a farming family. A few years later, James Dean and his family moved to Santa Monica, Calif. so his father could work as a dental technician. James is pictured here at the age of 1 while still living in Marion, Indiana in 1932.
When Dean was only nine, his mother suddenly came down with uterine cancer and died shortly after. Since his father was unable to care for him, Dean was sent to live with his aunt on a farm in Indiana.
While in high school in Indiana, Dean excelled in school and was considered to be a popular student. Dean participated in both the baseball and basketball teams as well as taking a liking to drama and public speaking.
After graduating high school in 1949, Dean moved back to California to study pre-law at Santa Monica College. Soon after, he transferred to UCLA to study drama much to his father’s dislike. Dean starred in Macbeth while at UCLA and made the move to pursue acting full-time.
Dean was cast for the role of Cal Trask in the film adaptation of John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel “East of Eden.” While relatively unknown, the screenwriter suggested Dean who everyone later agreed fit the role perfectly. The film would be the only one Dean saw released in his lifetime.
After his big film break, Dean became a highly sought-after actor and was immediately cast for the role of Jim Stark in “Rebel Without a Cause.” The film co-starred Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo and Dennis Hopper.
James Dean starred opposite Natalie Wood in the classic 1955 film “Rebel without a Cause.” The film co-starred Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo and Dennis Hopper.
James Dean stands and Italian actress Pier Angelihad a short romantic relationship, but the actress broke it off to marry singer Vic Damone in 1954.
Dean was also cast in “Giant.” To look older for the film, Dean dyed his hair gray and shaved some off to give himself a receding hairline.
Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean starred together in the 1956 film, “Giant.” The two co-stars has a very close relationship and remained friends until his death.
Throughout his life, Dean also had an interest in auto racing and bought two racing cars after “East of Eden” was finished filming. In March of 1955, Dean competed in his first professional racing event and came in first place in novice.
James Dean was on his way to a racing event in Salinas, California in his Porsche (pictured here) when he collided with a truck stopped in an intersection. Dean was pronounced dead on arrival at Paso Robles War Memorial Hospital on Sept. 30, 1955.
The movie “Giant” was in post-production when Dean suddenly passed away just a few months later. The film was released posthumously and Dean received an Academy Award nomination for his role.
The news of Dean’s death spread quickly through radio and television. His funeral was held on Oct. 8, 1955, and he was laid to rest in Park Cemetery in Fairmount, Indiana. Nearly 3,000 people gathered at his grave to say goodbye to the last actor, pictured here.
Even 60 years after his death, James Dean’s legacy lives on as his name is infamously dropped in songs from artists like Taylor Swift and Beyonce. In 1996, the U.S. Postal Service released a stamp honoring Dean as part of the Legends of Hollywood series.
