James Dean facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Dean
Dean in 1955
Born	James Byron Dean (1931-02-08)February 8, 1931 Marion, Indiana, U.S.
Died	September 30, 1955(1955-09-30) (aged 24) Cholame, California, U.S.
Cause of death	Car accident
Resting place	Park Cemetery, Fairmount, Indiana, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1950–1955
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James Byron Dean (born February 8, 1931 – died September 30, 1955) was a famous American actor. He is remembered as a cultural icon for teenagers who felt misunderstood or like outsiders. This feeling was shown in his most famous movie, Rebel Without a Cause (1955). In this film, he played a troubled teenager named Jim Stark.

His other important roles were Cal Trask, a loner in East of Eden (1955), and Jett Rink, a serious ranch hand in Giant (1956). After he died in a car crash, James Dean became the first actor to be nominated for an Academy Award (Oscar) after his death. He is still the only actor to have two posthumous acting nominations. In 1999, the American Film Institute named him the 18th best male movie star from Hollywood's Golden Age.

Early Life and Education

James Dean was born in Marion, Indiana. He was an only child and very close to his mother. Sadly, his mother passed away when he was just nine years old. His father could not care for him, so James went to live with his aunt and uncle in Fairmount, Indiana.

James was a great student and very popular in school. He played on the baseball and basketball teams. He also studied drama and was good at public speaking. After finishing high school in May 1949, he moved back to California. He first studied pre-law at Santa Monica College (SMC). Later, he moved to UCLA and changed his major to drama.

While at UCLA, James was chosen from 350 actors to play a part in the play Macbeth. He also started acting in James Whitmore's acting workshop. In January 1951, he left UCLA to become a full-time actor.

Becoming an Actor

James Dean in 1953

James Dean's first time on television was in a Pepsi Cola commercial. While trying to find acting jobs in Hollywood, he also worked as a parking lot attendant at CBS Studios. There, he met a radio director who helped him with his acting career and even gave him a place to stay.

In July 1951, James appeared on a show called Alias Jane Doe. In October 1951, he moved to New York City. He worked as a stunt tester for the game show Beat the Clock. However, he was fired for doing the stunts too quickly! He also appeared in several CBS television shows.

James Dean's career began to grow. He acted in more TV shows in the early 1950s. One important early role was in the CBS series Omnibus. In an episode called "Glory in the Flower," he played a young person who felt disconnected. This was similar to the role he would later play in Rebel Without a Cause. This 1953 show also featured "Crazy Man, Crazy," one of the first rock and roll songs on a TV drama.

His Tragic Death

Love for Racing

James Dean and his Porsche Super Speedster 23F at Palm Springs Races in March 1955

In 1954, James Dean became very interested in auto racing. He bought several cars after finishing the movie East of Eden. Before filming Rebel Without a Cause began, he entered his first professional race. This was at the Palm Springs Road Races in Palm Springs, California, on March 26–27, 1955. James won first place in the beginner class and second place in the main event.

He continued racing in Bakersfield a month later. There, he finished first in his class and third overall. James hoped to race in the famous Indianapolis 500, but his busy acting schedule made it impossible.

James Dean's last race was in Santa Barbara on Memorial Day, May 30, 1955. His short racing career was paused when Warner Brothers told him he couldn't race while making Giant. James had finished filming his scenes, and the movie was being edited. He then decided to race again.

The Fatal Accident

The location of James Dean's death, now called "James Dean Memorial Junction"

James Dean was excited to return to motor racing. He planned to compete in a race in Salinas, California on September 30, 1955. Rolf Wütherich, a German mechanic who took care of James's Porsche, suggested driving the car from Los Angeles to Salinas. This would help break in the car. Rolf went with James in the Porsche.

Around 5:15 p.m., as they drove to the event, a 1950 Ford Tudor was turning through an intersection in front of the Porsche. James could not stop in time and crashed into the driver's side of the Ford. James's car bounced across the road and onto the side of the highway. His passenger, Rolf Wütherich, was thrown from the Porsche. James was trapped in the car and suffered many serious injuries.

James Dean Park Cemetery Fairmont

The driver of the Ford got out of his damaged car with only minor injuries. Many people who were passing by saw the accident and stopped to help. A woman with nursing experience checked on James. She found a weak pulse, but it seemed he had died instantly. James Dean was pronounced dead on arrival shortly after arriving by ambulance at the Paso Robles War Memorial Hospital at 6:20 p.m.

James Dean's funeral was held on October 8, 1955, at the Fairmount Friends Church in Fairmount, Indiana. About 600 people attended the funeral. Another 2,400 fans gathered outside the building during the procession. He is buried at Park Cemetery in Fairmount.

His Lasting Legacy

Star “James Dean” at the Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California

American teenagers in the mid-1950s really connected with James Dean. They especially related to his role as Jim Stark in Rebel Without a Cause. This movie showed the struggles of a typical teenager who felt no one understood him. James Dean's popularity is often linked to young people needing someone to represent them. His estate still earns about $5,000,000 each year, according to Forbes Magazine.

Many experts say that James Dean greatly influenced rock and roll music. One researcher said Dean was the first famous symbol of youthful rebellion. The way James Dean acted in his movies, especially Rebel Without a Cause, inspired Elvis Presley and many other musicians.

As rock and roll became popular worldwide, James Dean became a legendary figure. This made him a true rock and roll icon. James Dean himself listened to many types of music. This included African tribal music, classical music by Stravinsky, and singers like Frank Sinatra. His charm and magnetism appealed to people of all ages. But his image of youthful rebellion gave future generations of young people someone to look up to.

Filmography

Film Roles

Television Roles

Images for kids

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  Dean in East of Eden (1955)

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  Natalie Wood and Dean in Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

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  Dean in 1955

See also

In Spanish: James Dean para niños