Profile of the Day: James Dean

Posted September 30, 2015 by Amanda | No Comment

James Dean

Today we remember legendary actor James Dean, who passed away on this day 60 years ago.

James Byron Dean was born on February 8, 1931 in Marion, Indiana to Winton Dean and Mildred Marie Wilson. After his family moved to California, Dean’s mother died of uterine cancer. His father, unable to care for him, sent Dean back to Indiana to live with family. He later returned to California and enrolled in UCLA to study theater.

Once he landed his first television appearance in a Pepsi Cola commercial, Dean quit college to pursue acting full time. He soon landed leading roles in what would be the only three major films in which he would star, East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause and Giant.

East of Eden would be the only film released during his lifetime. On September 30, 1955, Dean died in a car accident while driving his new Porsche Spyder in Cholame, California. He was 24.

His sudden death cemented his status as a Hollywood legend and cultural icon. He became the first actor to receive a posthumous Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance in East of Eden. He received a second nomination for his role in Giant a year later, becoming the only actor to receive two posthumous Academy Award nominations.

What is your favorite James Dean movie?

Explore his family tree on Geni and discover your connection to the legendary actor!