JD1931 to 1955
- Born
- 8 February 1931, Marion, Indiana, United States
- First work
- 1951: Fixed Bayonets!
- Peak
- 1954 to 1955 (estimated)
- Last work
- 1956: Giant
- Died
- 30 September 1955, Cholame, United States; aged 24; accident
James Dean
Film: actor, United States
James Dean was an American actor who came to define youth alienation and mid-century rebellion. Born in Marion, Indiana, he worked in television and minor film parts before director Elia Kazan cast him as Cal Trask in East of Eden in 1955. His portrayal of Jim Stark in Rebel Without a Cause cemented his status as a cultural icon, capturing a raw vulnerability rarely seen in leading men. Dean completed filming on Giant shortly before his death in a motor accident near Cholame, California, in September 1955 at the age of twenty-four. He earned two posthumous Academy Award nominations.
Who else was born on 8 February or who died on 30 September.
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Signature works
- East of Eden film1955
- Rebel Without a Cause film1955
- Giant film1956
Honours
- Academy Award nominee for Best Actor, 1955
- Academy Award nominee for Best Actor, 1956
- Golden Globe Henrietta Award, 1956