James Dean, in full James Byron Dean, American film actor who was enshrined as a symbol of the confused, restless, and idealistic youth of the 1950 s. Although he made few films before his death in a car accident at age 24, his performances, perhaps most notably in Rebel Without a Cause 1955, have proved enduring.
James Dean, in full James Byron Dean, born February 8, 1931, Marion, Indiana, U.S.—died September 30, 1955, near Pas o Robles, California, American film actor who was enshrined as a symbol of the confused, restless, and idealistic youth of the 1950 s. Although he made few films before his death in a car accident at age 24, his performances, perhaps most notably in Rebel Without a Cause 1955, have proved enduring.
DIN’S SECOND APPEARANCE IN THE FILM
Dean’s second starring film appearance, as sensitive high-school misfit Jim Stark in director Nicholas Ray’s Rebel Without a Cause 1955, made him into the embodiment of his generation. His character defiantly rejects the values of his elders while desperately aching to “belong” and attempting to find a purpose in life. Dean’s performance spoke eloquently on behalf of disenchanted, disenfranchised teenagers and gave them a hero they could respect and admire. The classic drama also featured Natalie Wood, Sal Mine o, and Dennis Hopper.
UNHAPPY CIRCUMSTANCE AND DEATH
Dean was next cast in producer-director George Stevens’s Giant 1956, a drama set on a Texas ranch that also starred Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor. Shortly after completing the film, the restless Dean drove off in his silver Porsche to compete in a sports car rally in Salinas, California. Speeding down the highway, he crashed headlong into a Ford sedan and was killed instantly. Almost immediately an intensely loyal cult was established, and within days of his death he became a film icon. Both Rebel Without a Cause and Giant were released posthumously, and he received an Oscar nomination for the latter film. The James Dean mystique continued to flourish into the 21st century.
born February 8, 1931, Marion, Indiana, U.S.died September 30, 1955, near Paso Robles, California.
Women say he was one of the most handsome men of the time. JD died too young but became a legend.
