James Dean: The Eternal Rebel

by Marjorie Dorfman | More from this Blogger

29 Jan 2006 10:58 AM

Born in Marion, Indiana, on February 8, 1931, James Byron Dean was the son of Winton and Mildred Dean. His father was a dental technician and moved the family to Los Angeles when James was only five years of age. After his mother passed away when he was nine, he returned to the Midwest and was raised on a farm by his aunt and uncle. After graduating from high school, he returned once again to sunny California where he attended Santa Monica Junior College and UCLA.

He began appearing in an acting workshop run by James Whitmore and appeared in a few television commercials and stage roles. On Whitmore's advice, he packed up his belongings and headed for New York to pursue a serious acting career. While working as a busboy in the theater district, he appeared in seven television shows and finally won a small part in a Broadway play entitled "See The Jaguar."

His rise to stardom was meteoric, and he made three memorable films in one year; "East of Eden," Rebel Without A Cause" and "Giant". His talent was formidable, his face a unique blend of vulnerability and torment. This handsome and talented star who was the personification of youth, died in a fiery crash while driving his brand new Porsche Spider near Salinas, California on September 20, 1955. He was twenty-four years old. The corner where the accident occurred was actually purchased by a Japanese millionaire some years back. James Dean became an icon, more famous in death than he was in life.

Pay a visit to his website, James Dean.com (http://www.jamesdean.com) and join his fan club online! Read about the man and his films and rent his movies. Thus, he is not only remembered, but lives again as the eternal rebel in search of love and acceptance.

How do YOU feel about James Dean? What are some of YOUR favorite moments from his films?

Learn more about Marjorie Dorfman

Marjorie Dorfman is a freelance writer and former teacher originally from Brooklyn, New York.

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