preview

James Dean Research Paper

Decent Essays

James Dean “Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.” (James Dean) James Dean was a teenage icon who lived and acted in the 1950’s. His fame and popularity rest on his performances in only three films. His premature death in a car crash cemented his legendary status. From farm life in Indiana to a life full of fame, fast cars, and beautiful women (and a few men); Dean lived 24 quick, eventful, and exhilarating years. James Byron Dean was born February 8, 1931 in Marion, Indiana to Winton and Mildred Dean. Dean’s father was a dental technician and moved their family to Santa Monica when Dean was six. In July of 1940, his mother died of cancer and Dean was devastated. His father sent him back to Fairmount, Indiana to live with his aunt and uncle. Ever since Dean was young, he had dreams of becoming a performer. James Dean graduated in 1949 and left for Los Angeles, California to live with his father and stepmother. He attended …show more content…

Weutherich [Dean’s passenger] was thrown from the car, but survived with a broken jaw, a broken leg and severe cuts and bruises. Dean, in the driver's seat, had virtually no chance to survive; the impact broke his neck, and he died almost immediately,” (Holley 276). At the time of his death, Dean did not leave behind a will, so most of his possessions went to his father, Winton Dean, whose relationship with him was distant. Dean’s body was brought back to Fairmount, Indiana, and laid to rest in the Winslow family plot in Park Cemetery.
A year after his death, his film Giant was released. According to Forbes magazine the James Dean estate still earns around $5 million a year from endorsements and the licensing of his image. Dean became the first actor to receive an Academy Award after death. He also received numerous foreign awards, including the French Crystal Star award and the Japanese Million Pearl

Get Access