by Amy Gallagher

Created on: April 30, 2008

A Rebel without Dean

Since Motion Pictures became popular, few stars have become so famous, to the point where their names become household names. The name of James Dean can be classified as one of them. In his 24 short years, James Dean was known for being one of Hollywood's rebels and making East of Eden, Rebel without a Cause, and Giant.
James Byron Dean was born on February 8th, 1931, in Marion, Indiana. He was born to Winton and Mildred Dean. At the age of five, Winton Dean choose to move the small family to Los Angeles. However, at a young age, James' mother passed away and was brought back to Indiana to be buried. James then lived with his aunt and uncle, who lived on a small farm.

The first step that James Dean took towards acting was that he enrolled with James Whitmore's acting workshop. There were also the occasional television commercials, as well as several roles on stage and on film. Then, in the winter of the year 1951, James Whitmore came to the young James Dean with some advice. Some may guess what the advice was and what he did.
After this, James Dean left for New York City to be able to pursue a more serious acting career, than he had had so far.
In March of 1955, James Dean had reached his dream. He was working on his first of three films, East of Eden, directed by Elia Kazan, and co-starring Julie Harris and Raymond Massey. To celebrate this newfound success, James choose to by a new Porsche. One can only imagine how a young man, like James Dean, would be proud to be seen around town in this new car.
In April of the same year, East of Eden had opened worldwide and Dean began his new project. He was not filming Rebel without a Cause, directed by Nicolas Ray, and co-starring Natalie Wood. A month later, Rebel was finished.
Then, came the project Giant, directed by George Stevens, and co-starring Elizabeth Taylor. However, this came after James had entered one race. James Dean had a habit of entering car races.
It was on September 30th 1955 that this young actor was to meet his end. He was on his way to compete in yet another race, which was located in Salinas. James Byron Dean was killed in a car accident, on a highway. This is how Dean came to his end. Yet, some may think that it is an ironic end, since James Dean enjoyed the fast lane and racing in his cars, which is something he was known for. But he was also known for his affair with the actress, Pier Angeli.
But, no matter what he was known for, or might have been known for, James Dean has made a legend of himself, with his brief career.

Bibliography
1. www.jamesdean.com
2. www.imdb.com

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