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James Dean accomplished more in his short life than most people do in a lifetime. The twice Oscar-nominated actor was only in three films: East of Eden (1955), Rebel Without a Cause (1955), and Giant (1956). He was the first actor to recieve an Oscar nomination posthumously, and the only actor to recieve more than one Oscar nomination posthumously.
Ironically, the twenty-four year old Dean filmed a public service announcement for traffic safety less than two weeks before he died. The clip, which can be seen in several Dean documentaries, shows the late actor wearing a cowboy hat and smoking a cigarette. In the ad, he forebodingly states, "People say racing is dangerous, but I'll take my chances on the track anyday than on a highway." When asked if he has any special advice for the young people who drive, Dean looks straight into the camera and says, "Take it easy driving. The life you might save might be mine." He laughs and raises his eyebrows, as if to say he's only half kidding.

Dean died in a car accident on September 30, 1955. He was driving his silver Porche 550 Spyder to a race at Palm Springs. He had intended to trailer the racecar, but decided at the last minute to drive it in order to familiarize himself. His last words were, "That guy's got to stop. He'll see us," before nearly head-on impact with another car on US Highway 466 near Cholame, California. Contrary to popular belief, he was not speeding at the time (although he did get ticketed 2 hours earlier) and he was found to have no fault in the accident. As he died on a highway and was not at fault, his public service announcement footage is frighteningly prophetic.
Because of his violent death at an early age and his successful film career, Dean is immortalized as the rebellious and outspoken youth that he plays in "Rebel Without a Cause," as well as a symbol of old Hollywood glamour. However, reports from close friends reveal that Dean was very shy and quiet. Due to his bashful disposition, he was sometimes misunderstood for being standoffish to crewmembers, but friends speak of Dean as a reserved and quiet young man who meant no harm.
Dean's life, in particular his sexual orientation, are still often debated. He had a relationship with a young italian actress named Pier Angeli, and often wrote letters, parts of which were later published, to a New York girlfriend. However, Dean is still seen as an idol to the gay community because of his alleged bisexuality. Although his personal life has been argued for some time, his movie career remains the focus of his short life.
Dean had a strong interest in business and wanted to direct. While he never got the opportunity, he left the world at twenty-four with one of the strongest resumes of any actor in history. Dean's most famous quote, appropriately, is the following:

"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die tomorrow."

Learn more about this author, Caroline Ford.
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