Dean, James (1931-1955), was an American motion-picture actor. He became famous for his intense, brooding portrayals of discontented, rebellious young men. Dean starred in only three films—East of Eden (1955), Rebel Without a Cause (1955), and Giant (released in 1956, after his death). He died in an automobile accident on Sept. 30, 1955, at the age of 24. After his death, he became an idol to young people in many parts of the world. They considered Dean a symbol of their frustrations because of the characters he portrayed.
James Byron Dean was born in Marion, Indiana, on Feb. 8, 1931. He studied acting at the University of California at Los Angeles and at the Actors Studio in New York City. Dean acted in TV dramas before beginning his film career. He also was in two Broadway plays, See the Jaguar (1952) and The Immoralist (1954).
