September 30th will mark the 55th anniversary of James Deans’ death. Born Feb. 8, 1931 Dean was a legendary actor and iconic symbol of the 1950s.
James Dean became a Hollywood legend portraying temperamental, insightful and often rebellious characters. He represented the troubled and misunderstood teens of the 1950s and gained cult icon status after his untimely death at the young age of 24.
Dean got his start in television and stage before starring in the three films, East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause and Giant that would catapult him to stardom. His unique style of acting and fondness for race cars didn't sit well with the directors he worked with, but helped fuel his bad boy image.
Shortly after completing work on his third starring feature Giant (1956), the restless Dean drove off in his silver Porsche to compete in a sports car rally in Salinas, California. Speeding down the highway, he crashed head first into a Ford sedan and was killed instantly. Almost immediately, a cult was established and within days of his death he became a film icon. His final film Giant was released more than a year after his death, and the premiere was a fitting tribute to a talented actor who would never realised the full potential of his talents, and the incredible fame that was to come.
Although James Dean was long before my time he has had a lasting memory on many of my family. Dubbed the iconic bad boy of the 50’s, I wish I had to chance to see what he was all about rather than read it. His short life was certainly as colourful as they come and his long lasting legacy makes him a worthy #7 Inspirational Figure.
