James Dean

In the early 50s, America was introduced to one of the most influential people of this time. Although he may not have starred in many films, James Dean became very famous in the entertainment field even after his death. A star onscreen, Dean’s life outside of film was dreary and lonesome at times. His other hobby, street racing, ultimately led to his death at the young age of 24. Just like The Eagles stated in their hit song, James Dean was a great actor who, “lived fast and died young.” Although he died at the age of 24, he still made an impact in Hollywood then

and now.

On February 8, 1931, James Bryon Dean was born to Winton and Mildred Dean in Marion, Indiana. Dean was extremely close with his mother, who referred to him as James Bryon. On June 7, 1935 Dean’s family moved to California when James was only five. On April 14, 1940 Dean lost his mother to cancer. He was then sent by his father to Indiana to live on a farm with his aunt and uncle, Marcus and Orlense Winslow at the young age of nine. He was filled with great grief over his mother’s death for the rest of his life. Years later in an interview Dean stated, “My mother died on me when I was nine years old. What does she expect me to do? Do it alone?” When Dean entered high school, his strong points were debate and drama. On April 14, 1949 the Fairmont News read, “James Dean First Place Winner in Dramatic Speaking.” He also graduated high school in June of that same year. Dean then moved back to California and attended Santa Monica City College and lived with his father and step mother, where he majored in prelaw. Dean earned Cs and Ds in law classes, but As and Bs in acting. That following year, he transferred to the University of California to study theatre, but he later quit school to get as many auditions as possible, and at this time he worked as a parking lot attendant. His first professional acting role was in a soft drink commercial, which lead to a role as John the Baptist, in a television Easter special called “Hill Number One.”

After these small roles, Dean went on to play other small parts in Hollywood films such as, “Sailor Beware,” (1951) “Fixed Bayonets,” (1951) and “Has Anybody Seen My Gal?” (1952) Dean then moved to New York City because actor James Whitmore thought it would be best for Dean. Dean spent a bit of time as a stunt tester for “Beat the Clock,” on CBS. He also was cast in Broadway’s “See The Jaguar,” which opened at the Cort Theatre on December 3, 1952. One show that really helped Dean with his career was “The Immoralist,” another Broadway show where he played a homosexual houseboy in 1954. Dean won the Daniel Blum Theatre World Award for “Best Newcomer,” for his role in this show. “The Immoralist,” connected Dean with Elia Kazan, who later cast Dean as Cal Trask, the lead role in a movie based off of John Steibeck’s novel “East of Eden.” Dean was nominated for an Academy Award for this role. The New York preview for this movie was held on March 10, 1955. Dean declined his invitation simply stating, “I can’t handle it.” The second movie role Dean earned was that of Jim Stark in the 1955 film “Rebel Without a Cause.” This movie, directed by Nicholas Ray, touched the lives of many teenagers in America. Jim Stark gave many children someone to look up to, and made Dean a role model for many teens. Dean’s last and final role was in the 1956 film “Giant.” After filming this movie, Dean used his time off to take his brand new Silver Porcshe to a Sports Car Rally. The lives of Dean’s family, friends, and fans would be forever changed on September 30, 1955.